Mexico 0 - 0 Ecuador

Mexico kicked off the final stretch of friendlies in preparation for the World Cup with a bore draw against Ecuador with both sides shorn of their European-based players.

Mexico had the best chances, but the game leaves more questions than answers as to the line-up come June 11 in the opening game in South Africa against the host nation.

In line with Javier Aguirre's policy of rotating goalkeepers, Luis Michel of the Guadalajara Chivas got his turn and performed competently. Michel still remains an outside bet of getting the no.1 jersey bit is probably reliant on Guillermo Ochoa continuing his poor form.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Manchester United new boy Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez started upfront and largely failed to inspire. The duo are currently favourites to start against South Africa but have not played together much and the lack of cohesion showed.

Chicharito was guilty of missing a sitter in the seventh minute from the edge of the box with the Ecuadorian goalkeeper stranded.

With the infusion of quality when European-based players join the squad later in the month, Aguirre will be hoping for a marked improvement.

Performances like this in South Africa and Mexico won't be going far. The real winner was the Mexican Football Federation, raking in the profits of another sold out stadium in the United States.

Team: Luis Michel, Paul Aguilar, Efrain Juarez, Jonny Magallon, Jorge Torres, Juan Carlos Valenzuela, Gerardo Torrado, Israel Castro (Andres Guardado, 75), Alberto Medina (Pablo Barrera, 61), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Adolfo Bautista, 61), Javier Hernandez.