FINAL - Mexico 1, Cameroon 0: El Tri overcome Cameroon, linesman to claim massive win

In the unrelenting rain in Natal, Mexico overcame their African opponents and one of the two linesman to claim a vital 1-0 victory in the maiden match of their World Cup campaign.

Giovani dos Santos had two  fine goals ruled off in the opening half, much to the dismay of manager Miguel Herrera, and went into the interval with legitimate qualms about not having a comfortable lead.

After a slow start to the second half, the man who emerged as the focal point of the Mexican attack in qualifying stepped up in his first World Cup match.

Oribe Peralta’s goal in the 61st minute was the difference, as the striker pounced on a rebound stemming from a Giovani dos Santos shot and slid the ball into a wide open goal.

This time, the linesman didn’t raise his flag.

Cameroon created almost nothing in attack, with star striker and captain Samuel Eto’o completely bereft of service.

Yet, the Indomitable Lions were still just one chance away from tying the match, and if not for a great diving save from Guillermo Ochoa in injury time off a Benjamin Moukandjo header, would have came out of the contest with a share of the spoils.

In the end, it's a vital win for Mexico, while Cameroon look all but certain of being eliminated in the group stage.