Mexico edge Australia in World Cup warm-up ahead of squad deadline
A Johan Vasquez header secured a 1-0 victory for the co-hosts, who utilised modified tournament conditions in a match that leaves both coaches with critical decisions before Monday’s FIFA submission deadline.
Mexico secured a 1-0 victory over Australia in a World Cup warm-up friendly at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Saturday. The result leaves both nations’ coaching staffs with difficult selection choices as they finalise their 26-man squads for the tournament commencing on 11 June. Johan Vasquez scored the only goal with a header in the 28th minute, capitalising on a corner kick taken by Alexis Vega.
The match featured modified conditions designed to simulate the upcoming tournament environment, including mid-half cooling breaks and an allowance of 11 substitutions per team, compared to the standard six permitted in regular World Cup fixtures. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made nine changes to the starting lineup from the previous friendly against Ghana, fielding a much-changed side that held its lead despite a more assertive second-half performance from the Socceroos.
Australia’s goalkeeper Mat Ryan made a significant save in the 25th minute, tipping a close-range header from Alexis Vega over the bar. The visitors had a major opportunity to equalise before half-time when Luis Chavez headed the ball to Mohammed Toure, but Toure volleyed wide with an empty goal at his mercy. The crowd of 78,479, predominantly pro-Mexico, drew a collective gasp at the missed chance, which remained Australia’s only genuine scoring opportunity in an opening half where they were largely under siege.
In the second half, Aguirre substituted goalkeeper Raul Rangel for 40-year-old Guillermo Ochoa. The Mexican coach then made five substitutions in the 60th minute, including introducing 17-year-old Gilberto Mora. Australia coach Tony Popovic responded with four changes eight minutes later; substitute Ajdin Hrustic had a shot saved by Ochoa shortly after coming on, following a through-ball from Kai Trewin.
A heated exchange occurred in the 76th minute when a Mexico goal from a free kick was disallowed because the kick was taken too quickly. The referee ordered the kick to be retaken after the dispute. Both nations must submit their final squads to FIFA by Monday for the tournament, which will be played across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
