PASADENA -- Goals from Javier Hernandez and Oribe Peralta helped Mexico to a 2-0 victory over Jamaica and a place in the Copa America Centenario quarterfinals on Thursday.
Just over 83,00 fans packed into the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California as Hernandez moved to within one goal of leveling Jared Borgetti as Mexico's all-time highest goal-scorer and El Tri extended its undefeated streak to 21 matches, a record for the team.
Venezuela's surprise 1-0 victory over Uruguay earlier on Thursday means that Mexico will face La Vintotinto on Monday in a battle for first place in Group C, which could mean avoiding Copa favorite Argentina in the quarterfinal of the competition. Jamaica were eliminated from the tournament with the result.
Hernandez pulled free from his marker near the penalty spot to head in a Jesus "Tecatito" Corona cross from the left wing in the 18th minute.
Peralta then finished first-time nine minutes from time to seal Mexico's ninth straight win since coach Juan Carlos Osorio took over.
Jamaica actually had the better of the chances in the first half and coach Winfried Schafer will have been bitterly disappointed that his team couldn't take advantage.
Clayton Donaldson pulled the ball wide after being put clean through on goal in the seventh, with Garath McCleary seeing his shot from close range blocked by Yasser Corona in the 35th.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made a quality save from Michael Hector four minutes later that led to the pro-El Tri crowd standing and chanting the Malaga player's name.
El Tri changed from a 3-4-3 formation to a 4-3-3 after half-time, but continued to let the opposition create good chances, with the Jamaica coaching staff incensed when the referee didn't give a penalty after Corona appeared to foul Donaldson in the 64th.
Jimenez and Corona looked particularly dangerous down the wings and caused Jamaica constant problems, with El Tri having a total of 18 shots compared to Jamaica's 10.