(eca 279): Little pea Hernandez so sweet for Mexico (News Feature)

By Barry Whelan Jun 18, 2010, 0:54 GMT

Polokwane, South Africa - Mexico have a new footballing hero in Javier Hernandez, whose opening goal Thursday against France helped put the nation close to a place in the last 16 at the World Cup.

Hernandez came off the bench in the 55th minute to break the deadlock nine minutes later in Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium, after he evaded the French offside trap by the narrowest of margins before rounding keeper Hugo Lloris.

Two more subs were then involved in the second goal for the 2-0 win. Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco converted from the penalty spot 11 minutes from time after Pablo Barrera was brought down in the box by Eric Abidal.

But it is man-of-the-match Hernandez - affectionately known as 'Chicharito,' or little sweet pea - who will capture the attention, particularly for English fans after he signed for Manchester United toward the end of last season.

'I am delighted and very, very happy thanks to our victory,' he said on receiving the award.

'Let's simply enjoy today. Tomorrow we have to start thinking about (next opponents) Uruguay. It's a step forward and gives us great confidence for rest of the World Cup.'

Sir Alex Ferguson has lured Hernandez to Old Trafford for an estimated transfer fee of between 6 million and 8 million pounds (7.4 million to 9.9 million dollars), and Hernandez will join his new team from Mexican outfit Chivas after the World Cup.

Since making his international debut in September, Hernandez, who turned 22 on June 1, has eight goals in 14 games.

When the transfer was initially agreed, United manager Ferguson described Hernandez as 'an exciting young striker.'

'He has been in prolific form for both his club and his country,' Ferguson said. 'He will be a great addition to our squad.'

On July 30, Hernandez is scheduled to appear against his former club Chivas in a match to open their new, 45,000-seat stadium.

Hernandez is following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who both played for the Tricolor. His grandfather, Tomas Balcazar, scored against France at the 1954 World Cup.

'This is something I remember my grandfather for. Thank goodness we were (also) able to score,' Hernandez said.

'I hope I can speak to him soon. My family are behind me, and thanks to my family I am what I am both on and off the field.'