Johan Vázquez’s Header Secures 1-0 Victory for Mexico Over Australia in World Cup Preparation

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — In a crucial warm-up ahead of the World Cup, Mexico edged out Australia 1-0 on Saturday night, thanks to a first-half goal from defender Johan Vázquez. The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Vázquez met a corner delivered by Alexis Vega, directing a powerful header that found the net just past goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.

This victory marks Mexico's seventh consecutive match without defeat this year, a run that has seen them remain unbeaten since a friendly loss to Paraguay on November 18. As the team gears up for their World Cup campaign, they will kick off their tournament on June 11 against South Africa, with matches against South Korea and Czechia scheduled for June 18 and June 24, respectively. Before the tournament begins, Mexico is set to face Serbia in one final warm-up match next Thursday in Toluca.

Australia, meanwhile, will begin their World Cup journey on June 13 against Turkey in Vancouver, British Columbia. Following that match, they will take on the United States on June 19 and wrap up the group stage against Paraguay on June 25 in Santa Clara, California. The Socceroos are also preparing with a friendly against Switzerland on June 6 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.