The Central Americans began their tournament with a 1-1 draw against host nation South Africa on Friday, Siphiwe Tshabalala giving the Bafana Bafana a 55th-minute lead before Rafael Marquez equalised 11 minutes from time.

The other Group A match finished in a draw as well, with France and Uruguay playing out a goalless stalemate, so there is little to separate the four teams heading into the second round of matches this week.

Mexico's next outing is against the French in Polokwane, and Vela believes a victory is the only thing they can afford to think about.

"Since before the first game, we thought we could win all three matches. Unfortunately we couldn't win the first, and now we cannot make any excuses," said the 21-year-old Arsenal player.

"We need to get the win, whether we were playing France or any other side."

France, who controversially reached South Africa after a clear Thierry Henry handball set up William Gallas for the decisive goal in their World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland, have found themselves under pressure following some uninspiring displays.

Since that match against the Irish, Raymond Domenech's side won just one of four friendlies heading into the World Cup, losing at home to Spain and China, and were then unable to overcome Uruguay on Friday.

However, Vela believes it would be a mistake to underestimate the 1998 world champions and runners-up in Germany four years ago.

"It's all relative, because you can say they are going through a bad moment, but when you get out onto the pitch it's very different. You don't remember what's taken place in previous games," Vela was quoted as saying on www.mediotiempo.com.

"We know that they are great players and a great team, and at any moment that can wake up and have a great game.

"I think we need to think about our jobs and leave to one side what France are going to do, because we know we have a great team and we can win."