Mexico's Marquez in ‘great shape’ at fifth career WC

MOSCOW, June 18 (AP): Mexico defender Rafael Marquez is feeling "in great shape" after becoming only the third man in history to play at a fifth career World Cup.

The 39-year-old came on in the 74th minute of Mexico's 1-0 win over Germany on Sunday, following in the footsteps of Germany's Lotthar Matthaeus and fellow Mexican Antonio Carbajal.

"I feel in great shape for the rest of the tournament," said Marquez, adding about Mexico's victory that "back home no one thought that we could pull this off. We have a pessimist culture in Mexico, but we have a tough mentality."

Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio brought Marquez on to make Mexico's defensive tactics more robust as Germany threw men forward in search of a goal to level the game. Playing as captain in a defensive midfield role, he made some tough tackles on German players as Mexico successfully defended its lead.