Rafael Marquez Lugo and Oribe Peralta scored late in the second half to give Mexico a 3-1 victory against Venezuela in an friendly in the United States on Wednesday.
Marquez Lugo tapped the go-ahead goal into an empty net in the 88th minute, and Peralta stumbled into a turnover and converted about about a minute later.
It was a complex game against a very disciplined opponent,'' said Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre, whose team included many young players vying for a spot in El Tri's pre-Olympic team. ''This type of game helps us prepare for upcoming important competitions.''
Venezuela jumped to lead in the 52nd minute, when forward Edgar Greco headed in a corner by captain Micky Mea Vitali, squeezing the low shot past Mexico keeper Jesus Corona.
It took Mexico, playing without any of its Europe-based players, more than 15 minutes and a couple of offensive-minded substitutions to react.
Experienced defender Carlos Salcido collected a pass from the left flank and, given space, he sent a blast past Venezuela goalkeeper Leonardo Morales to equalize in the 68th minute.
''We wanted to start the year off on the right foot,'' said Salcido.
It was the second straight game this week that Venezuela had conceded in the closing stages, having let in the only goal of a 1-0 defeat to the United States in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
