Mexico's Javier Hernandez (left) stands near head coach Juan Carlos Osorio during a training session on March 27, 2017, in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. (Photo: Adid Jimenez/Straffon Images)
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Javier Hernandez equaled Jared Borgetti for the most goals scored by a single player in Mexico history last Friday, when he netted his 46th goal for the Tricolor in a 2-0 win over Costa Rica in a World Cup qualifier.
The feat also earned the Bayer Leverkusen star praise from another top forward – teammate Oribe Peralta.
“The truth is that I always admired Jared Borgetti since I was a boy and I wanted to be like him, to be in the situation that he was in,” said the 33-year-old Peralta, who has tallied 23 times internationally himself. “With Javier Hernandez, I have shared many things. I admire them both equally and I know that they are two great ones that have put the name of Mexico on top.”
There was some doubt as to whether Hernandez would be available for Tuesday’s qualifier against host Trinidad & Tobago. Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio, however, confirmed that the forward would be available for selection and could continue his pursuit of the all-time goal mark.
“Fortunately, not only Javier Hernandez, but the rest of the boys are good and can play,” Osorio said. “He has a lot of desire and will like the rest. It’s obviously a difficult decision because we know that Javier is a great finisher. He’s very important to us, but -- more than the record -- he is aware that the most important thing is the team’s performance.”
Hernandez has struck for two goals during Mexico’s qualifying campaign for Russia 2018
