Blanco nets again in Mexico win

Blanco, who has regularly featured since Aguirre replaced Sven-Goran Eriksson last April and looks almost certain to play in his third World Cup at the age of 37, set Mexico on their way in the 51st minute in Torreon.

The volatile forward, who announced his international retirement under Eriksson after clocking up his 100th appearance, scored with a shot which sneaked inside the post, his third goal since his comeback and his 38th in 110 appearances overall.

Choe Kum-Chol levelled six minutes later with a long-range shot which was misjudged by Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and flew into the net.

Javier Hernandez scored the winner in his 69th minute. The 21-year-old collected a Johnny Magallon pass and scored with an angled shot for his fourth goal in the last three internationals.

Mexico, who were in danger of missing out on the World Cup after a series of poor results under Eriksson, have lost only twice in 18 outings under former Atletico Madrid coach Aguirre, who took them to the 2002 World Cup.

They have won eight of their last 10 matches, including the last three in a row.

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