Mexico hopeful striker Carlos Vela can face Argentina in quarterfinals of World Cup

Mexico hopeful Vela can face Argentina

JOHANNESBURG — Mexican striker Carlos Vela is recovering well from a right hamstring injury and could be available for the second-round match with Argentina.

Vela did not play in Mexico’s 1-0 loss to Uruguay on Wednesday, but one day later coach Javier Aguirre was encouraged with the player’s progress.

Vela was injured in the previous match with France, a 2-0 win.

Aguirre says the team doctor has told him he expects Vela to be ready Sunday if he continues to recover at the same rate.

Mexico lost to Argentina 2-1 in the second round at the 2006 World Cup.