Nothing can avenge a World Cup loss, but Mexico did its best in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Netherlands. Striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez took it a step further in the opening minutes.
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The 26-year-old, challenging a ball inside the area, left his studs exposed and grazed the head of defender Jetro Willems. A free-kick was awarded, but no card was shown. Willems remained in the contest.
Hernandez would put his boots to better use in the second half, polishing off the match-winner in the 60th minute. For Mexico head coach Miguel Herrera, it was his combination play with Carlos Vela that ultimately decided the contest. "That determination that everyone sees every weekend in the Spanish league, [Vela's] a great player," stated Herrera in the postgame press conference (via Goal). "His understanding with 'Chicharito' is marvelous. His goal is of great quality and he put in great effort."
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Added Herrera: "We asked the forwards to win back the ball and both of them did it. It was great work."
Despite not featuring together since 2011, Vela and Hernandez combined for all three goals in Mexico's victory.
"We hadn't played for a long time together," Hernandez said. "Obviously, it's very nice and thanks to God, we could collaborate for the team."
Mexico returns to the stage on Nov. 18 against Belarus in Barysaw. Even with the comprehensive victory, Herrera understands additional work will be required to obtain a result. "Today we modified the team's setup," he said. "We played with a different system and the team did it very well."
"There's a lot to correct. We have to work."
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