Javier Hernandez double downs Japan

A second-half brace from Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has given Mexico a win over Japan to ensure that they do not finish bottom of Group A in the Confederations Cup.

© AP Photos

Japan had the better of the opening exchanges and had an early chance when Yasuhito Endo found Shinji Kagawa, but he was unable to beat Guillermo Ochoa in the Mexico goal.

It was a half of few chances, but Mexico almost went ahead right before the break as Andres Guardado's diving header came back off the post.

Mexico regrouped as the stronger side and came out fighting, with Hernandez opening the scoring inside 10 minutes of the restart having finished Guardado's fine cross.

In the 67th minute Hernandez doubled his and Mexico's tally. It was typical Chicarito as he reacted quickest to a near-post flick-on to head in from close range.

As Mexico looked likely to hold on to the lead, Shinji Okazaki gave Japan late hope, firing in Endo's low cross from close range.

However, they were unable to grab the equaliser and Mexico finished third in the group following Hernandez's late penalty miss.