International Friendlies Wrap-Up: France, Mexico Grab Victories

The games don't mean anything, but that doesn't mean they can't be entertaining.

France defeated Iceland 3-2 on Sunday in a thrilling international friendly at Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes, completing a stirring comeback in the final five minutes of the second half.

Laurent Blanc's men boosted their Euro 2012 hopes with goals in the 85th and 87th minutes, overturning a 2-0 halftime deficit.

In other action, Mexico blanked Wales 2-0 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The games were part of an unpredictable weekend of international friendlies that saw Euro 2012 favorites Germany and Holland both lose.

Meanwhile, the United States routed Scotland 5-1 in Jacksonville on Saturday night.

France appeared destined to join Germany and the Netherlands as big-name losers this weekend after Birkir Bjarnason (27th minute) and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson (34th minute) fired Iceland into a shocking, 2-0 first-half lead.

With Blanc's opting to start his first-choice back four, France's boss—himself a former central defender—will have fresh defensive concerns heading into next month's European championship.

Full-back Mathieu Debuchy started the comeback with a 52nd-minute goal, and two second-half substitutes inspired the final push.

Franck Ribery, who had replaced the disappointing Yoann Gourcouff in the 75th minute, equalized for France in the 85th minute after combining with fellow substitute Olivier Giroud.

Giroud played provider again two minutes later, heading down captain-for-the-day Philippe Mexes' cross to Adil Rami, who finished neatly under Icelandic keeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson.

In New Jersey, an Aldo De Nigris double gave El Tri a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Wales. The 28-year-old Monterrey striker grabbed his first goal two minutes before halftime and added his second one minute from full time.

The goals were De Nigris' first for El Tri since June 22, 2011, against Honduras in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

El Tri will begin World Cup 2014 qualifying June 8 at home to Guyana.

France's Euro 2012 campaign opens with a match against England on June 11 in Donetsk.

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