VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Mexico defeated Canada 3-0 on Friday in Vancouver and is on the brink of qualifying for the Hexagonal stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying for Russia 2018.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez opened the scoring in the 31st minute, with youngster Hirving Lozano increasing the lead in the 39th and Jesus Corona netting the third in the second half.

El Tri was vastly superior in front of almost 55,000 in BC Place and the result moves Mexico to nine points from its three games in Group A, while Canada is in second place on four points, ahead of El Salvador (two points) and Honduras (one point).

Mexico hadn't won a match in Canada since 1993, but started the brighter side and pressurized the home side into mistakes.

Aside from the first-half goals, Mexico hit the post twice in the first 45 minutes and forced two good saves from Canada keeper Milan Borjan.

Canada's Junior Hoilett had a golden opportunity to open the scoring against the run of play in the 21st, but he struck his shot from close to the penalty spot over the crossbar.

The two teams will meet again on Tuesday in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca.