Mexico's World Cup team bringing Angel statue

Mexico's World Cup team is heading to South Africa with a huge good luck charm: a replica of the country's beloved 21-foot tall, gold-plated Independence Monument known as ``The Angel.''

Mexican soccer fans often gather by the thousands at the 100-year-old statue in Mexico City after important victories, running circles around it and waving flags.

Tourism Secretary Alejandro Rojas says shipping and diplomatic arrangements are underway to get the statue to Johannesburg. Once there, he said, it will be set up in a public space so fans from other nations also can gather by the statue.

Mexico plays South Africa in the World Cup opener on June 11.