Mexico defeats Croatia 3-1 to reach knock-out stage

Wolfgang Mueller, dpa 

Mexico scored three times in the second half to defeat Croatia 3-1 and set up a clash with the Netherlands in the second round of the World Cup.

Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez scored the goals that left Mexico in second place in Group A behind leaders Brazil, 4-1 winners against Cameroon in the group's other game.

Ivan Perisic scored a late consolation goal for Croatia, the first conceded by the Mexicans in their three matches in the group stage.

Mexico had more of the play and deserved their victory against a Croatian team that needed to win the match in order to reach the next round.

Mexico, which needed only one point to advance, stuck to the line-up that saw them win and draw their first two group games, with Oribe Peralta starting up front.

Both sides began cautiously, but the Mexicans gradually took control as Croatia sought to find a gap in a well-organized Mexican defence.

Hector Herrera put Peralta through with a fine pass inside the Croatian half but the striker slipped when in front of goal and sliced his shot wide.

Minutes before, Mexico almost took the lead when Herrera unleashed a powerful left-foot shot from 20 metres that thudded against the crossbar with goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa well beaten.

Croatia's best effort came shortly before the half-hour when the ball was headed on to German Bundesliga midfielder Perisic, who failed to connect properly and hit his shot well over the bar.

Croatia had not advanced to the knock-out stage since their debut in 1998 when they reached the semi-finals and went on to beat the Netherlands in the match for third place

Mexico looked more dangerous on the break as they sought to reach the last 16 in their sixth successive World Cup. Croatia, on the other hand, lacked bite in front of goal.

Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic, who scored a brace in Croatia's 4-0 victory over Cameroon, had a difficult time against his close-marking Mexican defenders.

Croatian coach Niko Kovac brought on Inter Milan's Mateo Kovacic as a second half-substitute and the midfielder went close with a shot that goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa appeared to have well covered.

Mexican coach Miguel Herrera then called up Manchester United forward Hernandez from the bench, much to the delight of Mexico's supporters at the Arena Pernambuco. He was rewarded with Mexico's third goal.

Mexico stepped up the pressure and were incensed when referee Ravshan Irmatov turned down a penalty when Croatian defender Srna appeared to handle a shot from Andres Guardado inside the area.

But the disappointment turned to cheers in the 71st minute Rafael Marquez outjumped the Croatian defence to head home a corner and send Mexico into the round of 16.

The Mexicans increased their lead three minutes later when Guardado steered the ball into the net after some good work by the Mexcian midfield.

Hernandez, called Chicirito by the fans made it 3-0, heading in a corner flicked on by a Mexican teammate.

Perisic grabbed a consolation goal for Croatia in the dying minutes before substitute Ante Rebec was red carded for a tackle on Carlos Pena, leaving Croatia with ten men at the end.