Heavy favorite Mexico overtakes Cuba

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Jared Borgetti and Nery Castillo scored and prohibitive favorite Mexico survived an early scare from Cuba in a 2-1 victory last night at Giants Stadium in the opening Gold Cup match for both sides.

Playing before a largely partisan Mexican crowd of 20,230 at Giants Stadium, Mexico was in control from the opening touch.

But on Cuba's first offensive threat in the 22d minute, Reynier Alcantara launched a bending right-footer that beat goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

But Mexico tied it in the 38th when Adolfo Bautista's free kick from 35 yards found Borgetti unmarked in front of the goal and the striker deflected the ball with a tap of his head past goalkeeper Odelin Molina.