Chicharito Hernandez Will Be the Spark in El Tri's World Cup Qualifying Campaign

Javier Hernandez carries the fate of Mexico's 2014 World Cup qualification on his right boot.

Chicharito is one of the best poachers in the world. It's often overlooked just how good he is at getting himself into position and cleaning up the mess in the 18-yard box.

It's a wonder why Sir Alex Ferguson hasn't given him a bigger role with Manchester United. Sure the club has had Wayne Rooney and added Robin van Persie prior to this season, but time and again Hernandez has proven himself. He has 33 goals over the last three seasons in the Premier League.

Some players have trouble carrying their club form over to the national team. That isn't a problem for Chicharito, however, as he's scored 31 times in his 49 matches with Mexico.

With El Tri's critical three-match qualifying run beginning with Jamaica on Tuesday, now is the time for the 25-year-old striker to propel his country back into the top four of the CONCACAF "Hex."

After having little trouble in the third round, Jose Manuel de la Torre's side has sputtered a bit. It has drawn its first three matches and sits in fifth place in the group. The top three countries automatically qualify, with the fourth-placed team placed in a playoff with New Zealand.

In addition, Mexico has only scored two goals in its three matches. Both came against Honduras in a 2-2 draw, and both came from Chicharito.

ESPN's Paul Carr pointed out how much Hernandez has accounted for El Tri's attack in 2013:

By getting the right results during this three-match stretch, Mexico can firmly place itself back into the driver's seat. Of course, dropping points will only mean more problems and further criticism from fans.

Mexico is a very good squad and arguably has the most talent of any side in CONCACAF. Up to this point, though, they have been a disappointment, and De La Torre has come under fire for his team selection.

The players aren't immune to the weight of expectations. They know what the supporters and federation will be demanding, and anything less will mean derision back home.

With so much pressure on the squad, Hernandez has the opportunity to alleviate all of that stress with a couple of fantastic performances. Winning will help cure all of Mexico's ills in qualifying, and his teammates can feel a little more confident knowing they have their striker on form and able to cut apart any opposition back four.

This is the time when you expect your best players to rise and take control. It's a cliche, but when the going gets tough, the tough do in fact get going. De La Torre is expecting his key contributors to lead the team on the pitch.

So far, that has yet to really happen, but it's not too late.

Despite his relative youth, Hernandez can be one of those players. Chicharito doesn't have to be the emotional leader on the pitch or wear the captain's armband, though. He can let his game speak for itself.

Don't be surprised when Hernandez finds the net early and often in the next week. In a year's time, Mexico will be doing its final preparations for the World Cup, looking back on this time and laughing at how things were blown out of proportion.