South Africa’s other Group A opponents, the Czech Republic, also geared up for the global finals with a 3-1 success against Guatemala and, with South Korea in winning form too, these are all ominous signs for Hugo Broos’ men.
Mexico fell behind to a Petar Stanic goal for the Serbs, but after that took complete control of the game, though they were helped by two own goals.
Stefan Bukinac and Adem Avdic put the ball into their own net, while Raul Jimenez, Johan Vasquez and Luis Chavez were also on target.
Chávez had been under an injury cloud going into the game but came off the bench to score, while captain César Montes started after he too had complained of some muscle discomfort.
Midfielder Edson Álvarez and forward Alexis Vega came off the bench in their bids to prove their fitness too.
The performance from the side was among the best of coach Javier Aguirre’s third spell in charge and extends their unbeaten run heading into the World Cup to eight games.
“It hasn’t been an easy road, but we’re ready for the World Cup. Let's hope we start off on the right foot,” Aguirre said after the match.
The Czech Republic profited from goals by Patrik Schick, Tomas Chory and Denis Visinsky but were made to sweat by Guatemala, only taking control of the game in the final 20 minutes.
It follows their 2-1 win over Kosovo last Friday and leaves them unbeaten in six matches (W4 D2).
South Africa open their campaign against Mexico next Thursday, before a clash with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18. They finish their Group A fixtures against South Korea in Monterrey on June 24.
Bafana have a final warm-up fixture against Jamaica that has been moved to Saturday at 11pm South Africa time.
It will be played behind closed doors and not televised.
