HERZOGENAURACH, Germany (AP) — Mexico’s extensive schedule of 12 games in preparation for the World Cup has boosted team morale, particularly a 2-0 victory over defending World Cup champion Italy.
Thursday’s victory was Mexico’s eighth win in 12 exhibition games prior to the World Cup and first over Italy. Its only two losses were against two teams considered among the favorites — England and the Netherlands. England won 3-1 and the Dutch were 2-1 winners.
Mexico, which has never made it past the quarterfinals in the World Cup, opens with host South Africa next Friday in the tournament opener. It also faces France and Uruguay in Group A, with many Mexicans feeling the team could be one of the big surprises in South Africa.
