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Mexican forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez headed back to Germany Sunday to join his Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen, after a successful participation with Mexico's national team against the United States in which he scored the first goal, in a victory that qualifies his squad for the Russia 2017 FIFA Federations Cup.
"Players Javier Hernandez and Rafael Marquez left the Mexican team Sunday because of a mutual agreement with their respective clubs," a Mexican Soccer Federation (FMF) statement read. Marquez returns to his Italian club Hellas Verona.
"Hernandez leaves to attend to personal matters and Marquez to continue his rehabilitation with his club's medical staff," the FMF added in the press release.
In Saturday's qualifier match, Hernandez gave Mexico an early lead at minute 10, although soon after Geoff Cameron scored off a header from a Michael Bradley free-kick to tie the scoreboard.
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Chicharito's first goal v the USA. #USAvMEX https://t.co/RHicJ52qYZ
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk)
October 11, 2015
The game would remain tied for the following 75 minutes sending the game into overtime.
Chicharito, in what was his first goal ever against the United States, scored after Raul Jimenez passed the ball with a back-heel to Oribe Peralta, who set up with a centering pass.
Hernandez is Mexico's all-time second leading scorer.
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez (R) celebrates Oribe Peralta’s (L) goal in extra time, to put Mexico ahead 2-1. | Photo: Reuters
Paul Aguilar scored the winning goal deep into extra-time to beat the U.S. 3-2, avoiding a penalty shootout. This came after Peralta had first restored Mexico's lead in the 96th minute.
U.S.'s Bobby Wood scored soon after to tie the game again.
The game was played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, before a pro-Mexico crowd of over 93,700.