Foxborough, (United States): Mexico head to the World Cup and a glamor 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 capitalize on our attacks and we need to concentrate on our finishing,” said Herrera, a popular figure with the Mexican press.
“We dominated and played very well.” 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.
