In a World Cup conditions simulation friendly, host nation Mexico beat Australia 1-0 in front of 78,479 fans at the Rose Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. The result leaves both head coaches with tough choices as they finalise their 26-man squads for the upcoming tournament.
A Johan Vasquez header from a set piece in the 28th minute was the only goal for Mexico, who fielded a much-changed lineup. Australia improved in the second half but could not find an equaliser.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made nine changes from the side that beat Ghana 2-0 last week. All 48 World Cup teams must submit their final 26-player lists to FIFA by June 1.
While Mexico's depth players performed well, they nearly paid for a defensive lapse in first-half stoppage time. A long ball into the box caught the Mexican defence out; midfielder Luis Chavez headed it straight to Australia's Mohammed Toure, with goalkeeper Raul Rangel rushing out of his area. But the Australian striker shot over the empty net.
That was Australia's only real chance of the first half, as they were mostly pinned back by Mexico. In the 10th minute, Chavez fired a long-range effort over the bar. In the 25th, goalkeeper Mat Ryan saved a close-range header from Alexis Vega. The pressure finally told when Vega swung in a corner, Vasquez rose above Aiden O’Neill to power the header in off the post.
The friendly simulated World Cup conditions with cooling breaks for players – the first at 32 minutes, the second at 79. Teams were also allowed up to 11 substitutions (compared to six at the official World Cup) and used the rule extensively.
Aguirre brought on veteran 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for Rangel at half-time, thrilling Mexican fans, then made five changes on 60 minutes, including the introduction of 17-year-old striker Gilberto Mora. Australia coach Popovic responded with four changes eight minutes later, and was almost rewarded immediately when Kai Trewin's through ball found Ajdin Hrustic in the box, but his shot went straight at Ochoa.
In the 76th minute, Mexico had a goal disallowed from a quickly taken free kick, leading to a retake and sparking debate between the two sides.
Mexico open their World Cup campaign against South Africa in Mexico City on June 11, followed by South Korea and Czech Republic. Australia begin against Turkey on June 13, also facing co-hosts the United States and Paraguay.
