Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is one of the greatest soccer players in Mexican history. The 26-year old forward is already third all-time in goals scored for the Mexican national team with 36. He is the face of the team and one of the most popular players on the planet. But for 366 days there was one thing that had eluded him: a goal.
The clouds parted and the soccer gods shined down upon #14 yesterday. His goal came in the 81st minute of what was turning into a route for El Tri against Croatia. Although most will look back on this game and remember Mexico’s deciding 3-1 victory which sent them on to the Round of 16, they will ultimately forget that they have Chicharito to thank.
Chicharito began to warm up around the 55th minute of the match, walking up to Mexico’s coach Miguel Herrera at the 60th minute, he asked to be put into the game which at the time was deadlocked in a scoreless tie. Herrera obliged and the official finally raised the substitution board in the 62nd minute of the match. Out on to the pitch ran Chicharito, but as the butterflies bounced around in his stomach; Chicharito reflected on what has been a very difficult year.
“This whole year has been very tough. Players need confidence more than anything else, and I’ve been very short of it. Very few people have shown faith in me over this past year,” he said.
Chicharito was chastised by Mexican faithful for their disappointing showing in qualifying for the CONCACAF division. Made the scapegoat by the media for his lack of scoring, Chicharito was benched once new coach Miguel Herrera took over six months ago. Unhappy with his role on the bench, Chicharito did not shy away from his displeasure in his role as a “super-sub.”
So on Monday when the hopes of Mexico were in doubt, Chicharito decided he would enjoy the moment and take advantage of his opportunity in Brazil, ironically, the same place he scored his last goal for Mexico a year and a day to the date. Chicharito made his impact immediately known on the pitch as his energy and athleticism almost knocked in a goal for Mexico at the 65th minute. Suddenly Croatia had to be cognizant of Chicharito’s presence and the unique set of skills he had. The move worked for Mexico has over the next twenty minutes; Mexico would score three straight goals, sinking the Croatians chances of advancing.
Chicharito’s moment of redemption came on an unlikely set piece. The corner kick bounced off Captain Rafa Marquez and up in the air toward the left side of the goal. Chicharito immediately snuck past his defender and stole the ball out of the air, heading it home to the far post. “It felt like a weight had been lifted” he told FIFA.com after the match.
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