Mexico concluded their preparations for the FIFA World Cup in impressive fashion with a commanding 5-1 victory over a youthful Serbia side in Toluca on Friday.
The tournament co-hosts were stunned early in the match when Petar Stanic gave Serbia the lead in the 19th minute.
However, Mexico responded strongly, with Johan Vasquez leveling the score before a Stefan Bukinac own goal handed the hosts a 2-1 advantage at halftime.
Mexico maintained their dominance after the break as Raul Jimenez extended the lead, while another Serbian own goal and a strike from Luis Chavez completed the rout.
The emphatic win will boost confidence among Mexican fans ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11. Mexico will open their campaign against South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium before facing South Korea and the Czech Republic in Group A.
Despite the convincing victory, head coach Javier Aguirre cautioned against complacency.
“The result is a double-edged sword,” Aguirre said after the match. “Confidence must be measured — overconfidence is as harmful as a lack of it.”
The performance nevertheless provides Mexico with valuable momentum as they look to make a deep run in the tournament on home soil.
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