Japan and Mexico share the spoils in Azteca thriller

A pulsating Group A opener at the Estadio Azteca ended honours even, Japan and Mexico trading blows in a 2-2 draw that delighted a record crowd.

End to end

Takefusa Kubo gave Japan the lead, only for Santiago Giménez to level before the break. Hirving Lozano put Mexico ahead to send the Azteca into raptures, but Kaoru Mitoma's late equaliser earned Japan a deserved point.

Group wide open

The draw leaves Group A finely poised behind leaders Brazil, with both Japan and Mexico still firmly in the race for qualification heading into the final round of fixtures.