Hernandez: Mexico must 'stay humble' after great start

Mexico striker Javier Hernandez knows his side can't afford to start believing its own hype despite an impressive start to the 2018 World Cup.

El Tri stunned defending champion Germany in the Group F opener before defeating South Korea 2-1 on Saturday to firmly establish pole position at the top of the group. Hernandez scored in that second game, his 50th international goal, to put Mexico on the verge of a seventh successive berth in the round of 16.

Related: Mexico places 1 foot in round of 16 after victory over South Korea

Mexico's style of play and its results have drawn praise so far in Russia. But Hernandez knows that remaining grounded is crucial if the nation hopes to finally break the barrier and win a knockout game for the first time since 1986.

"We have to channel all that we are going through with a lot of humility, with calm, because we've gone through very complicated situations and we don't want outside noise to destabilize us," the striker told ESPN's Tom Marshall.

"We have humility but we beat Germany and South Korea and now we have to play against Sweden and stay cool and calm. We cannot afford to get caught up in all this, we have to continue our job and stay humble. Of course we should enjoy this but tomorrow we start working again."

Hernandez and Co. face Sweden in their final group-stage game. After Germany's last-gasp victory over the European nation on Saturday, there's still a chance Mexico could go out should it lose and Germany beats South Korea.

Hernandez will be aware that failing to seal a knockout berth won't be forgiven by the Mexican public, especially given the imperious position the team established for itself with early success. Managing that pressure will be imperative next Wednesday.