By AVI CREDITOR
Mexico had defending World Cup champion Spain on the ropes at a packed Estadio Azteca, but David Silva registered a second-half, stoppage-time equalizer to salvage a 1-1 draw in the highlight of Wednesday's international friendly action.
Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez opened the scoring in the 12th minute, continuing his torrid run of form as his initial season with Manchester United approaches.
El Tri couldn't hold onto the lead though, as a bad turnover, a beautiful Xavi through ball and a top-class finish from Silva helped Spain earn the tie in the waning moments. Silva, a Manchester City offseason signing, was one of five of Vicente del Bosque's halftime substitutes, and Xavi came on in the 62nd minute.
New York Red Bulls Designated Player Rafael Marquez started and played 58 minutes.
Match highlights and more results after the jump:
ENGLAND 2, HUNGARY 1
Captain Steven Gerard scored twice in a four-minute span to rescue the Three Lions from potential embarrassment at Wembley Stadium.
A Phil Jagielka own-goal put the visitors ahead in the 62nd minute, but Gerard tallied the equalizer in the 69th minute and the winner in the 73rd to help England avoid disaster.
PARAGUAY 2, COSTA RICA 0
The World Cup quarterfinalists received goals from Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros in a sound victory over their CONCACAF opponent.
SOUTH AFRICA 1, GHANA 0
Katlego Mphela's 42nd-minute goal was all the Bafana Bafana needed to get by the United States' nemesis at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
IRAN 3, ARMENIA 1
Yura Movsisyan made his debut for Armenia, officially ending all chances of the striker ever playing for the United States.
NORWAY 2, FRANCE 1
A completely new-look French side fell in Oslo, as Erik Huseklepp's brace was enough for the hosts to overcome an opening goal in the 48th minute by Hatem Ben Arfa.
In Laurent Blanc's debut as manager, France didn't have a single player from this summer's World Cup fiasco on the roster.
SWEDEN 3, SCOTLAND 0
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored four minutes into his return from international retirement to lift Sweden in a rout.
In other friendlies of note on Wednesday:
- Denmark 2, Germany 2
- South Korea 2, Nigeria 1
- Slovenia 2, Australia 0
- Slovakia 1, Croatia 1
- Greece 1, Serbia 0
- Cameroon 3, Poland 0
- Argentina 1, Ireland 0
Which friendly did you enjoy the most? Surprised by any of the scorelines?
Share your thoughts below.