The national soccer team on Wednesday beat its highest-ranked opponent of the year Mexico, 1-0.

Against sixth-ranked Mexico in Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Lee Dong-gook scored off of a goalie's error in the 15th minute as South Korea held on for the win.

Saving a direct kick by striker Lee Chun-soo, Mexican goalie Oswaldo Sanchez rolled out the ball to clear a bit too far. The alert Lee Dong-gook quickly took advantage and kicked it into the net.

Sanchez and the Mexican players cried foul to the referee but to no avail.

Mexico had a final chance to tie in the waning minutes, but South Korean goalie Lee Woon-jae saved a close header.

South Korea won its fifth game against three losses and a tie during its overseas tour that began in mid-January.

Against Mexico, the team has four wins, five losses and two ties.