Mexico’s pre-World Cup schedule ended in style when they overcame 2006 champions Italy 2-1 in their final friendly, in Brussels last Friday.

Manager Javier Aguirre was able to select Tottenham’s Giovani Dos Santos alongside Manchester United-bound Javier Hernandez up front, despite Dos Santos threatening to leave the squad in protest at his brother Jonathan’s omission.

 

And Aguirre saw a greatly-improved performance from Mexico’s defence, although they conceded another goal from a setpiece.

Carlos Vela and Alberto Medina were Mexico’s scorers, Medina’s goal created by substitute Cuauhtemoc Blanco.

Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez injured his leg but returned to training this week.