EINDHOVEN, Netherlands - The Netherlands overcame Jared Borgetti's first-half goal to beat Mexico 2-1 Thursday night in an exhibition game between teams expected to reach the second round of the World Cup.

Netherlands soccer player Robin van Persie, center, battles for the ball with, from left, Carlos Salcido, Gonzalo Pineda, Jared Borgetti and Ricardo Osorio of Mexico during their friendly soccer match at the Phillips stadium in Eindhoven, Netherlands, Thursday June 1, 2006. Netherlands will play against Argentina, Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro in Group C during the upcoming soccer World Cup in Germany. Mexico will play against Iran, Angola and Portugal in their Group D matches.[AP]

Faced with possibility the teams could meet in the second round, Dutch coach Marco van Basten fielded a lineup filled with backup players and a third-string goalie. Mexico fielded its top lineup for the first half, then made six replacements.

Borgetti was left unmarked on a corner kick in the 19th minute and beat goalkeeper Henk Timmer with a header.

Defender John Heitinga tied the score when he headed Wesley Sneijder's corner kick in the 52nd minute past goalkeeper Osvaldo Sanchez. Ryan Babel scored off a pass from Dirk Kuyt five minutes later.

The Netherlands beat Cameroon 1-0 last Saturday with its top lineup plays Australia in its last warmup on Sunday, then opens the World Cup against Serbia-Montenegro on June 11. Ivory Coast and Argentina also are in its group.

Mexico lost 1-0 at France last weekend. Its World Cup group includes Portugal, Iran and Angola.