Mexico scored twice in the second half to pull France 2-0 on Thursday, putting the Mexicans in a privileged position to reach the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup and bounce the French and South Africa from the tournament.
Manchester United bound striker Javier Hernandez opened the scoring after 64 minutes and veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco converted a penalty in the 79th game to decide the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
"We are so happy," said Mexican captain Rafael Marquez. "We prepared very well for this game. And what we have done in training we have implemented in the game. We really played as a team."
Marquez added: "We celebrate this a bit, 'and then focus on the final game."
The Mexicans also moved atop Group A with four points along with Uruguay, while for 1998 and 2006 vice-champions of France remained on one point. Mexico and Uruguay are both advance to the round of 16 with a draw in the group game.
"It 's hard to say too much right now so soon after the game. The only thing we can do is try to give our best in the final," said a disappointed Malouda.
After 0-0 with Uruguay in their Group A opener, France coach Raymond Domenech brought on Florent Malouda in favor of Yoann Gourcoff with Franck Ribery moving in a central position behind the lone striker Nicolas Anelka. And defender William Gallas has started despite a calf strain.
single change in line-up of Mexico has been playing for Paul Moreno Hector Aguilar in defense after a 1-1 draw with South Africa.
Samples of 1998 and 2006 runners-up France came into play with a 2-1-0 record in World Cup against Mexico, winning 4-1 in 1930 and 3-2 in 1954 and drawing 1-1 in 1966.
In front of 35,370 spectators, Mexico is exciting forward Giovani Dos Santos has made things interesting after just three minutes, hitting the right post but the talent of 21 years, Galatasaray was ruled offside.
Ribery took centrally shot three minutes later revealed no problem for Mexico keeper Oscar Perez as France's first mini-chance.
Mexican Javier Aguirre's side was dangerous again in the eighth minute with Carlos Vela was behind the defense but his attempt went well left foot off target.
Directed by France struggles while Mexico continued defender Carlos Salcido pushed forward twice the probability target - hitting the right large 18 'and shot right at French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris after nine minutes.
Mexico striker Vela was forced out of the game in 31 minutes for a right leg problem as Pablo Barrera came on.
Les Bleus are rarely dangerous, even if Anelka had a shot just before the break - though not very challenging for Perez.
Mexican goalkeeper was tested in more than 54 minutes, turning on his explosion Malouda cross.
The Mexicans beat the French offside trap to take the advantage to 64. Rafael Marquez played a long ball up on the French backline Hernandez, the tour Lloris and then slotted the goal empty, sending the fans dressed in Sombrero Mexican celebrations.
Supporters of Mexico were in the sky in 79 minutes as Blanco doubled the lead on a penalty. Barrera was pulled down by Eric Abidal in the area with the referee responds by focusing on the spot.
The 37 year old striker Blanco stepped up and hammered his explosion into the bottom left corner just past Lloris to become the first Mexican to score in three World Cups.
The French were clearly deflated and never mounted another attack the rest of the way dangerous. Coach Raymond Domenech apologized to the fans at home, saying: "We are disappointed. I have not yet taken correctly. I feel really sorry for our fans."
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