Hernandez scores against France, repeats history

Published Jun. 17, 2010 11:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

Mexico striker Javier Hernandez carried on a family tradition by scoring against France at the World Cup on Thursday: his grandfather did the same thing 56 years ago.

The 22-year-old Hernandez came on as a second-half substitute Thursday and escaped the offside trap set up by the France defense after 63 minutes. He dribbled past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and netted the ball in the empty goal.

``I just remembered that now in the dressing room,'' Hernandez said. ``This is something I remember my grandfather for all the time ... I've not yet spoken to my grandfather, it's great that we both were able to score against France.''

Hernandez's strike helped Mexico beat France 2-0 to leave the team with an excellent chance of advancing from Group A.

It was a happier ending than Hernandez's grandfather Tomas Balcazar experienced, as Mexico lost 3-2 despite his goal at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland.

``This was just a match, we will enjoy it, but our minds are set on (Thursday match against) Uruguay,'' Hernandez said. ``This is just a step, there's a long road ahead.''

Hernandez scored eight goals for Guadalajara in the Mexican season's first eight games before joining the World Cup training camp. He will join Manchester United next month.

``I'm happy because I will be playing for a great team,'' he said. ``But right, now my mind is with the national team. I want to make some history and then I will think of my new team.''

Hernandez has now scored eight times in 14 appearances for the national team.

Hernandez's family has a long footballing tradition. His father, also named Javier Hernandez, was part of Mexico's squad for the 1986 World Cup on home soil but did not play.

The young Hernandez was overlooked as a starter in the tournament's opening match Friday against South Africa in favor of Guillermo Franco, but came on as a late substitute in the 73rd.

He started on the bench again France, but replaced Efrain Juarez after 55 minutes.

Hernandez is nicknamed ``Chicharito'', which means ``little sweet pea.'' It refers to his father, who was known as ``Chicharo,'' or ``sweet pea'' in the 1980s.

Balcazar praised his grandson before the World Cup.

``This is the fruit of all the hard work he has done since he began playing at 8 years old,'' he said. ``He has always been a dedicated boy. Whatever he has achieved he has done through his own efforts. We just give him advice so his head doesn't get too big.''