Mexico thrash New Zealand

Mexico have beaten New Zealand 5-1 in the first leg of their CONCACAF/OFC World Cup qualifying playoff at the Azteca Stadium.

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It took the hosts just over half an hour to break the deadlock, with Paul Aguilar picking up the pieces after Glen Moss had spilled a cross at his feet.

Raul Jimenez made it 2-0 eight minutes later with a header from Carlos Pena's corner kick.

A second-half double from Oribe Peralta put El Tri in firm control of the tie, before Rafael Marquez added a fifth with six minutes remaining.

However, they could not keep their sheet clean, as Christian James struck five minutes before the end to at least get the All Whites on the board ahead of the second leg in Wellington on November 19.