Javier Hernandez Must Showcase Top Form in Mexico's Key World Cup Qualifiers

Mexico is about to enter a crucial stretch of World Cup qualifying. Three matches in one week that will have a major impact on the national team's journey to Brazil. It's time for Javier Hernandez to rise up and carry the squad back inside the top three.

Right now, Mexico sits in fifth place out of six teams in the final stage of CONCACAF qualifying. Not even good enough to reach the playoff against New Zealand for the last spot, which will be the fate of the fourth-placed side after 10 matches.

The good news for El Tri is they are just two points out of first due to the region's parity so far. So they aren't even in the danger zone quite yet. A strong showing over the next three matches will put them right back near the top of the group.

If that's going to happen, Hernandez will need to lead the way. His importance to the Mexican attack can't be overstated and was on full display in Friday's friendly against Nigeria.

"Chicharito" opened the scoring in the 21st minute. After Nigeria grabbed the lead heading into halftime, the Manchester United forward struck again 20 minutes from time to earn the draw. He was easily the most dangerous player on the pitch before getting subbed out late.

Mexico has now scored four goals over its past five matches. Hernandez tallied them all. No other player has found the net for El Tri since a January friendly with Denmark when Marco Fabian scored from the penalty spot.

Players like Giovani dos Santos and Andres Guardado, who have proven capable of providing some secondary scoring in the past, are struggling to make an impact.

It leaves Hernandez all alone to jump-start the attack. As he illustrated against Nigeria, he can handle the pressure, but doing it three times in one week is a tall task.

Yet, with no other players in top form, Mexico doesn't have any other options. They must continue to make him the focal point of the attack and hope he works his magic enough to earn them three points.

One at the very least.

Making the task even more difficult is the fact the first two matches are on the road. The first against Jamaica, which held El Tri to a scoreless draw at Estadio Azteca. The second against Panama, the top team in the group right now.

Neither of those matches are going to be easy. If Hernandez isn't in top form, Mexico will be in serious trouble unless the secondary scorers finally start to step up. Given the recent results, manager Jose Manuel de la Torre can't count on that.

Mexico's goal for the first two matches of the stretch should be four points. Anything less than a win and a draw will put an immense amount of pressure on them heading home for a matchup with Costa Rica.

Although the closeness of the group leaves Mexico some room for error, it also means every other match leads to another team making up ground. At this point, there are no teams to cheer for because they are already out of contention.

In other words, a couple more lackluster results and it will be time to sound the alarms for Mexico. El Tri need to turn things around soon if they want to avoid must-win matches down the stretch.

Hernandez must continue to perform like the best player in CONCACAF for Mexico to come out of this next stretch of qualifiers in good shape.