Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 7y

Javier Hernandez says team wants Confed Cup win for Mexican people

KAZAN, Russia -- Mexico striker Javier Hernandez has his sights set on winning the Confederations Cup for the Mexican people and highlighted the team spirit within camp following Saturday's 2-1 victory over Russia.

Mexico came from behind in all three of its Group A games, but the win against Russia in Kazan Arena secured El Tri's spot in the next week's semifinals.

With a likely tie against Chile or Germany coming up, Hernandez isn't concerned about who Mexico faces.

"We want to win this tournament, against whoever," said Hernandez after the match. "They are two world powers and our objective is to reach the final and win, with full modesty and humility, showing respect as we have."

Hernandez was left out of Mexico's unconvincing 2-1 victory over New Zealand in the second group stage game, but didn't want to put the win over Russia down to Mexico looking the fresher team as the second half wore on.

"It wouldn't be very fair to just say one thing," Hernandez said. "Here, the goal scorer isn't the hero and the player that makes an error the villain. Here we play, we run and we work our asses off. 

"We want to win to bring joy to ourselves, to our families and all the Mexican people. The tactical and technical side are different, the opponent is also an influence. If there was a book and it was an exact science, everyone would want it."

Mexico defender Hector Moreno was an injury doubt ahead of the game against Russia, but said he knew how important it was and also stressed the mental toughness El Tri showed in getting the result.

"Hopefully one day we can win without needing to go behind because you suffer a lot, but it shows the resilience the team has, the will to turn around the game," said the Roma player.

Mexico is set to train on Sunday in Kazan, before traveling to Sochi on Monday ahead of the Thursday semifinal against the winner of Group B.

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