Mexico cruise past Canada, 3-0, on brink of advancing in World Cup qualifying

VANCOUVER, BC - MARCH 25: Javier "Chicharito" Herhandez #14 of Mexico is congratulated by teammates Javier Aquino #11 and Miguel Layun #7 of Mexico after scoring a goal against Canda during FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier soccer action at BC Place on March 25, 2016 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

Mexico had no problem dispatching Canada, 3-0, on Friday night in Vancouver. El Tri dominated from the start and probably could have had a few more goals if not for the spectacular goalkeeping of Milan Borjan, but Juan Carlos Osorio's team will happily take the three goals and three points they earned.

With the win, Mexico are now nearly into the final round of World Cup qualifying. They are on nine points through three matches of the semifinal round, in which the top two teams from each group advance. Canada are in second place on four points, with El Salvador on two points and Honduras one. If Mexico wins on Tuesday when they host Canada, they will clinch a spot in the next round.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez scored the first goal for El Tri, who had to deal with a sellout crowd of nearly 55,000 at BC Place that gave Canada very vocal support. But once the Mexican star scored in the 31st minute, Canada never could regain control of the match. Hirving Lozano scored his first goal for the national team, giving El Tri some excitement for the future as the 20-year-old continues to impress, and Jesus "Tecatito" Corona finished things off with a goal of his own as the youth shined for Mexico.

Mexico were simply too talented for Canada. They were steady at the back, allowing only one really good chance to the home side, which Junior Hoilett put over the bar. Aside from that, El Tri's defense looked strong, while the midfield transitioned the ball well and the cadre of attackers terrorized the Canadian defense. If there was any doubt who the best team in CONCACAF is -- and there shouldn't have been -- there's no doubt now.

Canada are still in fine shape to advance. They will be big underdogs in Mexico City on Tuesday and likely to lose, but still will be in a place to advance with a draw at Honduras and home win against El Salvador in the final two matches of this qualifying round. For the improving Canadians, that is doable.