Mexico defeats Cameroon 1-0; Mexico faces Brazil on June 17

Oribe Peralta scored in the second half to help Mexico to a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in torrential rain Friday, earning El Tri their first World Cup win over an African team and giving them a crucial three points in Group A.

Peralta’s left-foot shot in the 61st minute justified coach Miguel Herrera’s decision to start him ahead of striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, arguably Mexico’s best known player.

Giovanni Dos Santos had two goals disallowed in a frustrating first half, when Samuel Eto’o hit the post for Cameroon.

Peralta broke the deadlock just as thousands of Mexican fans were cheering for Hernandez to come into the game. He swooped after Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje parried a shot by Dos Santos.

Mexico will face host country and fellow Group A member, Brazil, on June 17.