U.S. upsets Mexico 1-0 as England tops Italy

Michael Orozco Fiscal scored in the 80th minute and goalkeeper Tim Howard played brilliantly as the United States upset Mexico 1-0 in a friendly, giving the Americans their first-ever win on Mexican soil.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said, “It is huge for all American fans and it is historic. We were well aware that we had never won here before. Tim Howard kept us in the game. It was an absolutely outstanding performance by Howard.”

Meanwhile, England pulled off their first victory over Italy in 15 years in a friendly on Wednesday, while world champion Spain eased past Puerto Rico 2-1.

Visiting South American giants Argentina and Brazil also notched up comfortable victories over Germany and Sweden.

A stunning Jermain Defoe strike 10 minutes from time handed Roy Hodgson’s England a 2-1 win, their first over the Italians since a 2-0 friendly victory in 1997.

“It was a spectacular goal, and a great way to win the game,” said Hodgson. “It’s something none of us who have watched him play for Tottenham over the years, and have seen the quality he has, are surprised about.”

In Bayamon, Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas scored goals in the opening half for world champion Spain, who beat Puerto Rico, stretching their unbeaten streak to 12 straight matches.

It marked the first match for Spain since winning back-to-back European Championship titles last month.

Cazorla scored in the 42nd minute and Fabregas added a second goal in the 45th with a low volley.

Marc Cintron scored 19 minutes into the second half for Puerto Rico as he beat Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

In Frankfurt, Argentina, whose World Cup ambitions died in a four-goal thumping at German hands two years ago in South Africa, turned the tables with a 3-1 win, despite Lionel Messi missing a penalty.

The hosts ended up with 10 men and were struggling once they lost inexperienced goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler after he upended the onrushing Jose Sosa.

Brazil secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Sweden at the soon-to-be demolished Rasunda Stadium, centerpiece of the 1958 World Cup finals the Brazilians won after beating the Swedish hosts 5-2.

With Pele and other members of that team looking on, second-half replacement Alexandre Pato scored a quick-fire brace in the 84th and 87th minutes, the latter a penalty, to secure victory. AFP