Javier Hernandez celebrated his birthday in fine style on Wednesday, netting the winning goal for Mexico against Chile in their final warm-up game before the Copa America Centenario.
With the scores level at 0-0, Hernandez, who turned 28 on the day, entered the match in the 78th minute. It took him all of eight minutes to snatch the victory for El Tri, his powerful header giving Chile’s goalkeeper, Cristopher Toselli, absolutely no chance.
A lot of the credit must also go to stand-in captain Miguel Layun, his swerving, first-time ball was exceptional, allowing Chicharito to peel away from his marker and connect at the back post.
Chile dominated large portions of the match, but Mexico will certainly take heart from defeating the world’s fifth ranked side. Mexico are in outstanding form going into the Copa, with manager Juan Carlos Osorio boasting a perfect record since being appointed on October 14, 2015.
Mexico begins its Copa America on Sunday, June 5, against Uruguay in Phoenix. Chile, the tournament’s defending champions, open play against Argentina on Monday, June 6.
Follow me on Twitter: @ConmanFleming
