Mexico City, June 5: Mexican newspapers took the national team to task for losing to Bosnia in a friendly warm-up just days before the FIFA World Cup.

Mexico lost to Bosnia 0-1 Tuesday in Chicago, leading sports daily Ovaciones to declare "Time to Pray" on its front page Wednesday above a photo of Mexican footballer Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez appearing to be doing just that while sitting on the field, his two hands clasped together, reports Xinhua.

The Record, meanwhile, saved its criticism for coach Miguel Herrera who was overheard insulting the rivals by calling them "marranos" or pigs.

The daily continued: "Miguel lost everything last night: his game, his winning streak and his composure. He insulted the Bosnians for having changed their line-up before the game."

Mexico are clubbed with Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon in Group A

Daily Estadio Deportivo asked: "Is this how we're going to the World Cup? The national team for the first time confronts a strong and organised rival with a World Cup momentum and it ends up with no ideas. How will we do against Portugal?"

Mexico's final friendly before the big event will be against Portugal Friday.

The front page of daily El Universal blared "Chaos and disorder" while conservative newspaper Reforma reported that "The (team) lost the game and the (coach) lost his head."

IANS