[an error occurred while processing this directive]
<span class="vitstorybody">
<!-- vstory begin -->
<font size=+2><b>
<span class="vitstoryheadline">Mexico closer to advancing in World Cup</span>
</b></font><p>
<font size=-1><b>
<span class="vitstorydate">06/09/2002</span>
</b></font><p>
<font size=-1><b>
<span class="vitstorybyline">Associated Press</span>
</b></font><span class="vitstorybody"><p>

    <p>
      MIYAGI, Japan &#8211; Mexico moved another step closer to its third straight 
      second-round berth.
    </p>
    <p>
      Jared Borgetti and Gerardo Torrado scored as Mexico rallied to beat 
      Ecuador 2-1 and became only the third team to win its first two matches.
    </p>
    <p>
      Mexico moved into the top spot in Group G as CONCACAF teams remained 
      unbeaten at 4-0-1.
    </p>
    <p>
      The Mexicans need to tie or beat Italy on Thursday to advance to the 
      next round.
    </p>
    <p>
      &quot;Mexico had the chance to show its power today,&quot; defender Melvin Brown 
      said. &quot;If we can play a good match against Italy, we will be just fine. 
      We just have to suffer a little more.&quot;
    </p>
    <p>
      Mexico, which beat Croatia 1-0 in its opener, won its first two World 
      Cup matches for the first time. The Mexicans, playing in their 12th 
      finals, were eliminated after one round in 1978.
    </p>
    <p>
      &quot;We're just happy that our chances of advancing now depend on us,&quot; 
      Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said.
    </p>
    <p>
      Ecuador coach Hernan Dario Gomez admitted his team, playing in its first 
      World Cup, lacked experience.
    </p>
    <p>
      &quot;They (Ecuador players) are new to this and so maybe it's partially a 
      lack of attitude and personality,&quot; he said. &quot;It's the first time they 
      have competed at this level.&quot;
    </p>
    <p>
      Mexico's rally spoiled a promising start for Ecuador, which finished 
      second in South American qualifying behind Argentina.
    </p>
    <p>
      Agustin Delgado scored Ecuador's first goal in the tournament in the 
      fifth minute, heading home a cross from Ulises De la Cruz.
    </p>
    <p>
      &quot;We lacked the love, sacrifice and strength that we needed to get the 
      win,&quot; Delgado said. &quot;When you're winning, you have to keep fighting and 
      we didn't do that.&quot;
    </p>
    <p>
      Borgetti tied the match in the 28th minute, cutting to the goal and 
      one-touching Ramon Morales' pass. The shot sent goalkeeper Jose Cevallos 
      sprawling.
    </p>
    <p>
      The goal invigorated Mexico, which asserted itself in the midfield and 
      overwhelmingly controlled possession as play wore on.
    </p>
    <p>
      The Mexicans continued pressing in the second half, looking for 
      Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Torrado.
    </p>
    <p>
      Torrado scored in the 57th, putting home a soft pass from Joahan 
      Rodriguez from just outside the box.
    </p>
    <p>
      &quot;We opened poorly,&quot; Aguirre said. &quot;But Torrado's play was crucial for 
      the win. He's playing very well and improving every day.&quot;
    </p>
    <p>
      Aguirre celebrated the victory, but cautioned the stiffest test was yet 
      to come.
    </p>
    <p>
      &quot;We haven't won anything yet,&quot; he said. &quot;We're off to a good start, but 
      next comes Italy.&quot;
    </p>
    <p>
      
    </p>
    <p>
      
    </p>
  </span>
<!-- vstory end --></span>
[an error occurred while processing this directive]