#WorldCup: Mexico Book Their Spot In The Last Sixteen With A 3-1 Win Over Croatia

Mexico will join Brazil as the last 16 contenders from World Cup Group A after they beat Croatia 3-1 in Recife on Monday.

Both sides had impressed with eye-catching football in their respective matches so far in the competition, but a late flurry of goals ultimately booked Mexico a place alongside Netherlands in the second round.

Few expected Miguel Herrera’s men to pose much of a problem for Brazil and Croatia in Group A following a tumultuous campaign in the Concacaf qualifiers, but their solid defence once again provided a sound foundation.

Croatia had immense trouble creating clear-cut chances, while Mexico threatened with counterattacks and hit the crossbar through Hector Herrera early on.

The Mexicans were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty with 25 minutes to go following an apparent handball by Darijo Srna, but they were not denied soon after as captain Rafael Marquez headed them into the lead.

Andres Guardado and Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez appeared to have made sure of the triumph with two goals in seven minutes and, although desperate Croatia pulled one back through Ivan Perisic, they were well beaten in the end as Ante Rebic compounded their disappointment with a late red card.

Herrera was adamant in the build-up that Mexico were not going to simply play for the draw they needed and, although Croatia controlled the early possession, the Central Americans looked typically dangerous on the break.

The encounter’s first chance saw Perisic blaze Ivan Rakitic’s right-wing cross over in the fifth minute, but Mexico went mightily close just after the quarter-of-an-hour mark as Herrera struck the crossbar with a fierce effort from 30 yards.

Mexico went close again just a few moments later as Giovani dos Santos slipped a clever pass into the danger area for Oribe Peralta, but the Club America forward lost his footing while pulling the trigger.

Croatia continued to look unconvincing in attack as an ill-tempered first half wore on.

The best opportunity Kovac’s men could muster was a 31st-minute half-volley from Perisic, which comfortably cleared the bar from just outside the area.

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