'Chicharito' form a dilemma for Mexico

Jun 8, 2014 - 2:45 AM Mexico head to the World Cup and a glamour date with hosts Brazil fresh off two defeats, no goals and star striker Javier Hernandez out of the side and out of form.

But coach Miguel Herrera believes their quarter-final goal is a realistic one and they had the better of Friday's friendly in the United States against Portugal, before conceding in injury time.

Portugal keeper Eduardo made several crucial saves -- he had an "amazing" game, said Herrera -- and "El Tri" should have been out of sight by the time Portugal defender Bruno Alves headed home.

"The team demonstrated they can do big things, but we need to capitalise on our attacks and we need to concentrate on our finishing," said Herrera.

"Manchester United forward Hernandez, linked with a big-money move away from Old Trafford after spending most of the season warming the bench, poses the biggest headache for Herrera and Mexico.

The 26-year-old, nickname "Chicharito," has an impressive 35 goals in 61 games for his country, but has not scored since last summer for Mexico and started the 1-0 defeat to Portugal at the home of the New England Patriots on the bench.

Herrera said the side that started would form the basis of his team for their World Cup opener against Cameroon on June 13. Mexico play Brazil four days later, followed by Croatia.

But he reserved special praise for Hernandez, suggesting he will pick the poacher despite his rock-bottom confidence and poor form for club and country.

"He came on, did well and created three chances," said the colourful Herrera, who has publicly urged Hernandez to leave United in the search for regular action.

Friday's defeat, Mexico's last warm-up game before the Cameroon clash, followed a 1-0 loss to Bosnia that also saw the Mexicans enjoy plenty of the ball, but with little in the way of end product.

Mexico nearly were not at the World Cup at all and only qualified via a playoff against New Zealand, having ploughed their way through several coaches in a turbulent campaign.

Defender Hector Moreno believes low expectations may help.

"We're arriving under a lot less pressure than on past occasions, when people expected great things from the team," he said.

Source: AAP