Javier Hernandez: El Tri Need Chicharito in Scoring Boots for Upcoming Matches

There's no reason to be concerned just yet, but Javier Hernandez has to get back on the scoring train for Mexico's next two matches in 2014 World Cup qualification.

El Tri knocked off Jamaica, 1-0, in Kingston on Tuesday night. It was a rather flat performance, especially in the first half. They looked better in the second 45, but it was clear there are still some problems with this squad.

Having one of their best players underperform won't do El Tri any favors, either. You cannot state Chicharito's importance to this squad. Coming into Tuesday's match, he was the only player to score in Mexico's three "Hex" matches, as Neil W. Blackmon of Yanks are Coming noted:

It was encouraging for Jose Manuel de la Torre to see Aldo de Nigris score, but Mexico are at their best when Hernandez is his usual predatory self.

ESPN's Paul Carr also noted exactly how much Hernandez has accounted for Mexico's scoring in 2013:

Chicharito almost got on the scoresheet in the 33rd minute, but Donovan Ricketts was there to make the save. He also had a great chance in the 84th minute; Ricketts was there to make the save again. It was a shot where Chicharito should have done much more.

The play was a microcosm for his entire match, as he didn't impact the game in the way you might have hoped he would.

He was sloppy in possession and didn't get himself in position to score. Part of the problem was Mexico's buildup play, mostly in the first half. As a poacher, he needs solid supply in order to do the most damage. Despite that, Hernandez was far from blameless for his performance in this match.

There have been few times when you have seen Chicharito play much worse than he did against Jamaica.

Although it's only one match, it's something that Mexico won't want to see against Panama and Costa Rica. El Tri could afford to have a less-than-stellar performance against Jamaica and walk out with a win. The Reggae Boyz came into the match as the bottom team in the group and left that way. Panama are second, with Costa Rica in third. Both are much stronger sides than Jamaica, and they will make Mexico pay for a flat performance.

With the win on Tuesday, Mexico have shot to the top of the qualifying group. It's unlikely that when the other countries play their fourth games, El Tri will remain there. It's still very important to get points against Panama and Costa Rica in order for Mexico to secure a place in Brazil.

If Hernandez goes scoreless for both of those matches, you're unlikely to see Mexico walking away with two wins. They may get three or four points, but that might not be enough to continue building on the positive momentum from the Jamaica win.

The pressure on De La Torre and the players will intensify again if the squad puts in another couple of bad performances. Then El Tri will be right back where they were before the win.