The third time proved to be the charm for Javier Hernandez, as his late goal lifted Mexico over Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 in an exhibition Thursday night.
"Chicharito" had missed two chances to put Mexico ahead in the 80th minute but could not convert after coming into the game as a substitute in the 61st minute. One shot was cleared off the line by Bosnia's Senad Lulic. However, he got another chance in stoppage time after a miscue from the Bosnian defense. During a scrum in front of goal, Stojan Vranjes miskick attempt to clear the ball rolled directly to Hernandez. He knocked the ball in past Bosnia's goalkeeper to put El Tri up for good in the 92nd minute.
It was one of the few mistakes for Bosnia, which played surprisingly well against a strong Mexican team. Playing an efficient style of play, Bosnia tied the score at one in the 29th minute on a goal from Edin Dzeko. Mexico had gone up early on Giovani Dos Santos' goal off a deflected shot in the sixth minute.
Mexico's defense clearly missed Rafa Marquez, who missed the match with a strained right quadriceps suffered during the team's exhibition against Wales on Sunday. Bosnia had multiple scoring opportunities, many from Dzeko, who plays club soccer for Manchester City, English Premier League winner's this season.
Hernandez, the Manchester United striker, helped spark the Mexican side in the second half and tallied the winning goal.
Mexico is about to start World Cup qualifying. This was the second of three exhibitions, all played in the United States, the team will play leading up to the qualifiers. Mexico will play Brazil on Sunday in Arlington, Texas.
Bosnia however, will have a quiet summer. They do not have a World Cup qualifying match until September and failed to qualify for the European Championship, which begins next week.
