In front of more than 40,000 fans, Iran got off to a flying start. They could have jumped to the lead in the 11th minute, but striker Vahid Hashemian twice failed to find the net from short range.

Mexico looked nervous, as though they were afraid of not living up to their role as group favorites behind Portugal. It took them around 20 minutes to settle down and create viable chances on goal, especially on set plays.

In the 27th minute they took the lead. Omar Bravo directed the ball into the net, after Guillermo Franco headed on a Pavel Pardo free-kick.

Iran struck back some eight minutes later. Yahya Golmohammadi slotted home a corner-kick by midfielder Mehdi Mahdavikia to level the match up as the first half whistle blew.

Mexico make game clear in second half

Mexico started the second half with a shock, when their top striker Jared Borgetti limped off the pitch in the 51st minute. Still, the Mexicans proved to be the better team, having much more of the ball and pinning the Iranians in their own half of the field.

But Mexico needed a bit of help to regain the lead. Mistakes by Iranian keeper Ebrahim Mirzapour and defender Rahman Rezaei gifted the ball to Mexican substitute Sinha in the 76th minute. He quickly found Bravo, who put Mexico back on top with his second goal of the day.

Iran looked exhausted, and a couple of minutes later, they allowed Sinha to sprint into the penalty area and put the game away with a nifty header. Iran was done. Mexico began their campaign well with a 3-1 win, while Iran will have to recover for their make-or-break match against Angola on June 16.