Mexico open World Cup qualifying with 3-0 rout over El Salvador

The Mexico national team took its first  step towards the 2018 FIFA World Cup as they opened qualifying with a 3-0 rout over El Salvador.

New coach Juan Carlos Osorio enjoyed an optimal debut as El Salvador posed little resistance through the 90 minutes.

Andres Guardado opened the scoring with a seventh minute free kick, Hector Herrera added a second, and Carlos Vela rounded off the night with an exquisite finish to give Mexico a winning start.

Osorio's influence was evident from the start, with Miguel Layun starting as right back. Mexico's scheme then changed to a 4-3-3 early in the second half and ended the game with the familiar midfield trio of Jose Juan "Gallito" Vazquez, Andres Guardado, and Hector Herrera.

At the other end, El Salvador only managed one shot in the entirety of the game.

Mexico will now travel to San Pedro Sula on Tuesday to take on Honduras, who opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Canada.