Mexico signed off ahead of the World Cup with an impressive 5-1 victory over Serbia, extending their winning streak to three matches before the tournament begins. Javier Aguirre’s team will launch the competition against South Africa at Mexico City Stadium next Thursday and now heads into that fixture with considerable momentum.
The evening did not begin ideally for the home side. Serbia struck first in the 19th minute when Petar Stanić shrugged off a challenge from Jesús Gallardo before sending a precise effort beyond Raúl Rangel and into the lower corner.
The response arrived before the interval. A cleverly worked short-corner move ended with Brian Gutiérrez delivering a dangerous ball into the area, where Johan Vásquez rose highest to power home an equaliser in the 34th minute. Moments later, Mexico moved in front after a misplaced pass from Stefan Bukinac rolled beyond goalkeeper Filip Stanković and into the net, giving the hosts a halftime advantage.
Second-half surge puts result beyond doubt
Mexico increased their lead 12 minutes after the restart. Julián Quiñones saw an attempt strike the post, but Raúl Jiménez reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range and make it 3-1.
Serbia’s difficult evening worsened in the 72nd minute when Adem Avdić accidentally diverted Alexis Vega’s corner into his own goal. The own goal effectively ended any hopes of a comeback and left Mexico firmly in control.
Luis Chávez completed the scoring just before the final whistle, firing a left-footed effort from the edge of the penalty area that beat the goalkeeper at the near post and capped an emphatic display from the tournament co-hosts.
Jiménez gains confidence before global tournament
The goal was particularly significant for Jiménez, who now has 45 international goals for Mexico. That tally leaves him only one strike behind Jared Borgetti on the nation’s all-time scoring chart.
The Fulham forward has featured in six World Cup matches during his career but has yet to score at the tournament. His latest contribution should provide a boost ahead of another opportunity on football’s biggest stage.
Beyond his goal, Jiménez produced an influential all-around performance, leading his team in shots on target, touches inside the opposition’s penalty area, duels won, and successful dribbles. Roberto Alvarado also stood out creatively, generating more opportunities than any other Mexican player.