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Mexico's Giovani Dos Santos (R) fights for the ball with New Zeland's Michael McGlinchey during their friendly clash at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California - Source: Getty Images -
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Mexico has delivered a footballing masterclass against a plucky New Zealand side with a 2-0 victory on Thursday.
In front of a estimated 90,000 fans at the Pasadena Rosebowl in Los Angeles, the Mexicans scored two well taken goals in the second half after missing several gilt edged opportunities in the first half.
Substitute Javier Hernandez netted a stunning header in the 54th minute, hanging in the air for an eternity before powering the ball past Glen Moss.
Arsenal's Carlos Vela doubled the score just four minute later after shrugging off Ben Sigmund, turning Andy Boyens inside out and slotting the ball into the far corner from the edge of the six yard box.
With two goals in the space of five minutes a rout was on the cards but to their credit the Oceania representatives found an extra gear.
The New Zealand side put together some promising moves on attack but failed to get a shot on target against the CONCAAF champions, who are ranked 15th in the world, a full 65 places above their opposition.
Ricki Herbert's men showed admirable resolve on defence and battled for long periods without possession.
The most disappointing aspect for the All Whites was failure to retain possesion and some misplaced passing, though the disjointed build up certainly played a part in this.
Michael McGlinchey looked lively when he came on in the second half and will be hard to leave out next time around.
The new caps accquited themselves well, a clearly nervous Chad Coombes doing plenty of work down the right flank while Tommy Smith, despite being outjumped for the first goal, looked assured in the heart of the defence.
