Mexico vs. New Zealand Video Highlights, Recap: World Cup 2014 Qualifiers Playoffs

Mexico destroyed New Zealand 5-1 in the first leg of the World Cup playoffs.

From the outset it was clear that New Zealand would let Mexico keep possession and El Tri continually looked to push the ball up field and create chances. However, New Zealand often looked more dangerous with its counterattacks. Unfortunately the team's star player Chris Wood took a yellow card in the game by elbowing Mexican captain Rafael Marquez. After this point Mexico got a few chances to score. First, Oribe Peralta headed a cross wide and then Kiwis keeper Glen Moss batted a shot away just as it reached the goal line.

At the 23-minute mark, Moss had to make another tremendous stop from a blast by Francisco Rodriguez. Later on Raul Jimenez ran away on a breakaway down the left wing; Moss made another terrific save to keep the game at 0-0. El Tri eventually got a goal from Paul Aguilar in the 32^nd minute off a defensive breakdown by the Kiwis. The goal completely destroyed the composure of the All-Whites who made one mistake after another. Mexico nearly added its second at the 36-minute mark but Peralta was deemed off side on the play. El Tri would get the second goal off a corner kick; Raul Jimenez headed the cross in.

New Zealand started the second half with a more aggressive tactic but wound up conceding a goal to Peralta just three minutes into the second half. Mexico continued to create a number of chances, but Moss continued to make terrific saves to keep his side alive. Peralta eventually added the fourth goal in the 80^th minute to make it 4-0. Marquez added a fifth in the 84th minute off a header on a corner kick. New Zealand's Chris James added a goal just one minute later to give the team hope of a potential comeback at home.

The two sides will face off next week in Wellington, New Zealand. The All-Whites will need a win by five or more goals to qualify for the World Cup finals next summer; a 4-0 win at home would also give the team a berth in the tournament.

Watch Video Highlights HERE.