Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez entered Mexico's tilt with Croatia in the 2014 World Cup today late in the match, but only needed one shot to make his presence felt. Hernandez scored a goal at the 82' mark-while he put the Mexicans up 3-1, hardly the most exciting margin, the goal was crucial to Chicharito and the nation's psyche.
"It felt like a weight had been lifted," Hernandez told FIFA.com. "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 added with a wry smile, reflecting a blend of happiness and relief.
"I'd like to dedicate this to my grandfather, who's about to turn 85 but has still made the effort to be here. It's for all those who've been with me in the good times and the bad, like my wife and my family. They know that I'm always happy to work hardest during the toughest times."
Chicharito hadn't found the back of the net while wearing a Mexico jersey in more than a year, so many fans ad grown frustrated with the dynamic star. Still, he contributes by simply being on the pitch; all of Mexico's goals came with Hernandez on the pitch.
"I just enjoy playing football, I love having fun on the field. I've had games where a lot of people said I played really well, even without having a single shot on goal," Hernandez said. "That's one of the nice things about football, it's not only about scoring goals. Of course they're important, but when you're a footballer you also need to work with your team-mates and put them first."
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