Argentina Stunned by Mexico, 1-0

Ramon Morales scored on a bending free kick in the ninth minute as Mexico surprised Argentina, 1-0, in a Group B match of Copa America on Saturday at Chiclayo, Peru.

Morales sent his shot into the upper right corner from 25 yards out and goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri never had a chance. Mexico beat Argentina for the first time in 14 years.

“My boys fought hard for this victory,” said Mexico Coach Ricardo Lavolpe. “I was born in Argentina, but I’ve lived in Mexico for 25 years and this was a game I wanted to win.”

In the other Group B match, Uruguay defeated Ecuador, 2-1.

In other news, Peru captain Claudio Pizarro will sit out the rest of the Copa America because of a head injury that he suffered Friday in a 3-1 victory over Venezuela.

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Quick Passes

The United States men’s team will play Poland in a friendly today at Chicago at 4 p.m., in its final tuneup before CONCACAF World Cup qualifying resumes next month.... Otto Rehhagel, who coached Greece to the European title one week ago, has turned down an offer to coach the German national team.... Lee Dong-gook and Choi Jin-cheul each scored to propel South Korea to a 2-0 victory over Bahrain in a friendly at Seoul in the debut of Coach Jo Bonfrere.