Substitute Javier Hernandez, who will play for Manchester United next season, put Mexico ahead in the 64th minute after rounding French ´keeper Hugo Lloris and coolly slotting the ball into the net soon after entering the game. [break]
Mexico increased their advantage after an increasingly ragged France conceded a penalty when Eric Abidal scythed down Pablo Barrera, which 37-year-old Mexican striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco converted to the joy of Mexico´s fans.
France created few clear chances, although Florent Malouda tested Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez with a rasping shot from outside the penalty area six minutes after half-time, and Franck Ribery repeated the feat two minutes later.
The result means Uruguay and Mexico only need to draw in their final Group A game on Tuesday to qualify for the next round and send France, who play host nation South Africa the same day, crashing out.
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