- JOHANNESBURG: Mexico forward Guillermo Franco hopes to be in the starting lineup in the World Cup's opening match against South Africa after recovering from a foot injury.
The 34-year-old Franco injured a toe on his right foot in the friendly against England on May 24 and he has not been able to play since then.
He said Wednesday that he was "100 percent recovered" and that he's ready to play on Friday against South Africa.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre now has a tough choice to make: start Franco or 22-year-old Javier Hernandez, who has scored three times in four games.

