POLOKWANE, South Africa (AP) — Substitutes Javier Hernandez and Cuauhtemoc Blanco each scored in Mexico’s 2-0 win over France at the World Cup on Thursday, leaving Mexico needing only a draw to reach the next round.
Hernandez, nicknamed “Chicharito (Little Green Pea),” ran onto Rafael Marquez’s pass as the France defense stopped, believing Hernandez was offside. He dribbled around goalkeeper Hugo Lloris before guiding the ball home in the 64th minute.
Hernandez’s grandfather, Tomas Balcazar, scored for Mexico against France in the 1954 World Cup.
Blanco put in a penalty kick in the 79th minute after Eric Abidal fouled another substitute, Pablo Barrera.
Mexico next plays Uruguay, which also needs a draw to advance. France has only one point.
