Herrera confident after Mexico win

NATAL -- Mexico boss Miguel Herrera congratulated his players for having dominated Cameroon in difficult playing conditions on the field at Estadio das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, and told Televisa his team "is more excited than ever" ahead of the games against Brazil and Croatia.

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While unhappy with refereeing decisions in his team's 1-0 win, Herrera said that his team held possession of the ball and roundly defeated Cameroon, enjoying an infusion of strength that the team had needed.

"Today it was pretty one-sided in terms of possession of the ball, and we had a couple of setbacks in there, but our possession was probably around 70-30 (percent) at least," Herrera said in a subsequent interview with TV Azteca.

"The fact that the officials took two goals away from us was obvious, but in the end you have to work for it. We have three points heading into the next game, and feel confident. Today we were the home team, and we know we'll be the visitors next game. We have to play to win."

Herrera said that his team had been playing well but now were fortunate to score. "I said before, the team had been doing things right, we were lacking when it comes to taking our chances, but the truth is everyone's playing excellently well."

Mexico captain Rafael Marquez said after the win the team played a great game despite the two goals disallowed.

"We did a good job -- the team adapted well to the circumstances," he said.

The veteran defender, playing in his fourth World Cup, was also pleased that El Tri took an important step in their World Cup aspirations.

"I just have to enjoy it, draw on the experience, and play for my teammates," he said. "You have to motivate them to continue playing this way. The team looked pretty well."