Javier Hernandez enhanced his burgeoning reputation with the opening goal as Mexico took a significant step towards qualification from Group A with a 2-0 victory which hastened France's early exit at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Just nine minutes after coming off the bench the 22-year-old, who will officially move to Manchester United from Chivas in a £7million deal next month, sprang the offside trap to race on to Rafael Marquez's pass, round goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and coolly slot home.

Veteran striker and cult hero Cuauhtemoc Blanco sealed victory with a 79th-minute penalty.