Despite a spirited late comeback from the home side when the All Whites scored two goals in five minutes, Mexico was in control of the second-leg World Cup qualifying game from almost the first whistle at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.
It again illustrated the gulf between the sides; apart from the disparity in rankings, consider that Mexico has an 18-team professional league while New Zealand has the Wellington Phoenix.
• Slideshow: All Whites v Mexico
For the All Whites, there is a base to build on, as the core of this team is young. The absence of Winston Reid was magnified again as Andrew Durante, in particular, could not cope with the pacy Mexican attack.
Any review of this campaign does need to highlight the completely inadequate build-up and planning that left the team ill prepared for the might of Mexico.
Without Reid and Ryan Nelsen, this All Whites team is shaky on defence, although El Tri's passing and movement was exceptional at times.
Herbert's selection for this game was brave but two rookies on the flanks went too far. Durante and Tommy Smith were pulled out of position as Storm Roux, in particular, struggled to cope in the first half, although he improved when switched to left back in the second half.
There were moments that brought the fans to their feet: Marco Rojas' Cryuff turn and twisting run through three defenders, Chris James' assured penalty, Rory Fallon's neat finish and Smith's brave crash into his own post to prevent a Mexican goal.
Bill Tuiloma looked assured from the start and has a bright future, Roux struggled as the first three Mexican goals came down his flank.
After a positive start, when the All Whites created some half chances, they conceded a calamitous goal in the 15th minute. After winning possession in midfield, the Mexicans sprang forward, before Oribe Peralta was released to chip over a stranded Glen Moss.
The manner of the goal was not a complete surprise - this New Zealand backline had never played together - but it served to stifle the momentum of the home side and quieten the near capacity crowd.
The second goal was worse. El Tri broke on the counterattack after a poor All Whites free kick, Carlos Pena out-sprinted Durante and Peralta had a simple finish.
Peralta added a third three minutes later, although the home side was not helped by the assistant referee, as two of Mexico's goals had a hint of offside about them.
Jeremy Brockie's penalty miss in the 39th minute summed up the first half; New Zealand created chances but could not make the right final decision.
Why was the Phoenix striker taking the spot kick when Shane Smeltz, one of the best marksman in the A League, is in the team? It was a particularly poor attempt.
The sting went out of the game in the second half, as Mexico was content to keep possession. The All Whites continued to press forward, and goals from James and Fallon at least allowed the team to finish with some pride.
World Cup
Second-leg qualifier
All Whites 2
Chris James 80 pen, Rory Fallon 83
Mexico 4
Oribe Peralta 14, 29, 33, Carlos Pena 87
