VANCOUVER – Javier (Chicharito) Hernandez, Hirving Lozano and Jesus Manuel Corona scored Friday as high-flying Mexico dismantled Canada 3-0 in World Cup qualifying.
After the teams traded chances in an electric opening, Hernandez rose to meet a cross with a header in the 31st minute before Lozano blasted a shot shortside on Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan in the 39th.
Corona added another in the 72nd minute as Canada crumbled in a match the players said all week could be a statement game for the men’s national team.
While the Mexicans were full value for the win, the Canadians will be kicking themselves after missing three glorious chances in the opening 45 minutes.
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Mexico, ranked 22nd in the world by FIFA, now lead Pool A in the penultimate round of CONCACAF qualifying with nine points from three games.
No. 87 Canada is second with four points, followed No. 99 El Salvador with two points and No. 89 Honduras with one after those countries tied 2-2 earlier Friday. Canada plays at Mexico on Tuesday before visiting Honduras and hosting El Salvador in September.