World Cup co-hosts Mexico beat Australia 1-0 in Rose Bowl warmup

Mexico secured a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over Australia in a World Cup warmup friendly at the Rose Bowl. Johan Vasquez's 28th-minute header from a set-piece proved decisive in front of a crowd of 78,479.

Both teams used the match to experiment with their squads. Mexico's coach Javier Aguirre made nine changes from their previous game, while Australia also made liberal use of the 11 allowed substitutions. Despite a shaky start, Australia improved in the second half, but a significant defensive error in added time before halftime saw Mohammed Toure miss an open goal.

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Mexico open the World Cup on June 11 against South Africa in Mexico City before playing South Korea and the Czech Republic.

The game featured mid-half drinks breaks and numerous substitutions, simulating World Cup conditions but with some ad hoc timing. Mexico's veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was introduced at halftime to the delight of the fans, and a young attacker, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, was also brought on. Australia also made tactical changes, with Kai Trewin and Ajdin Hrustic involved in a chance that went begging.

Mexico will open their World Cup campaign on June 11 against South Africa, followed by matches against South Korea and the Czech Republic. Australia begins their tournament on June 13 against Turkey, with further games against co-hosts United States and Paraguay.

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Australia start their campaign against Turkey on June 13, and also meet co-hosts United States and Paraguay.