Mexico vs. El Salvador: Score and Reaction from 2018 World Cup Qualifier

Mexico showed El Salvador why it's a top-25 team in the world on Friday night.

Controlling possession for 78 percent of the match, Mexico got goals from Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera and Carlos Vela as it shut out El Salvador 3-0 and getting off on the right foot in its World Cup qualifying campaign.

Mexico controlled the pace from the get-go, even though the score didn't reflect it. The first goal came early—at the seven-minute mark—when Guardado sailed a free kick right into the net for a 1-0 lead.

ESPN FC Mexico's Tom Marshall shared his thoughts on Guardado's beautiful finish:

That would be the only goal El Salvador gave up for the next 35 minutes. During that span, Mexico had a chance to put the game away but couldn't. It had nine shots within that span, but nothing came of them. ESPN FC Mexico's Cesar Hernandez noted the Mexican faithful began to feel uneasy midway through the first half:

Finally, in the 42nd minute, Herrera drilled a free kick to the bottom right corner and gave Mexico a 2-0 lead. 

The match was essentially over by this point. The difference in talent between the two squads began to show. Mexico entered Friday's match as the No. 24-ranked team in FIFA, while El Salvador is No. 104, per ESPN FC Mexico.

Vela put the icing on the cake in the 64th minute after sending the ball into the bottom left corner, putting Mexico in a good place as CONCACAF play continues.

This was a win that was expected for Mexico, but it didn't come without some nerves. The case can be made that Mexico should've found a way to end the match sooner, but a win is a win when it comes to World Cup qualifying.

Mexico will play Honduras on Nov. 17, while El Salvador will play Canada on Tuesday.