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The first-half ended without a goal for either side which favored Mexico. The pressure was on Croatia to score, needing to win in order to escape the group stage. Croatian coach Niko Kovač made two changes in the second-half trying to get that necessary goal. The first change was for the left-back Vrsaljko getting replaced by the midfielder Kovačić. Later Olić was taken out for the younger forward Rebić.
The goals did not come for Croatia however, as Mexico scored three in the last twenty minutes. Captain Rafa Marquez rose up to out-jump Croatian defender Corluka to win a header on a corner-kick (72'). Marquez had caused a few turn-overs earlier, but more than made up for himself by scoring the crucial go-ahead goal.
Moments later Mexico stretched the lead on a counter-attack led by substitute Chicharito Hernández. With Croatia pressed high up the pitch, Hernández had acres of space to push forward and picked out the run of Peralta along the right flank. Peralta then played the ball across the box for Guardado making a late run. Guardado kept his head down and hit the shot first-time to beat keeper Pletikosa (75').
Hernández scored a final goal for Mexico on another corner-kick. Rafe Marquez was again in the box for the set-piece and again won the header. This time however, he flicked the ball on to the far post where Hernández had a free header and an easy score (82').
Croatia managed to score one goal in the closing minutes of the match. Rakatić played Perišić in-on-goal with a nice back-heel flick and Perišić was able to place his shot inside the far post (87'). The goal simply came too late for Croatia and if there was to be a comeback, Rebić made sure that did not happen when he was sent off. Rebić was late with a challenge on Peña and the ref immediately showed him a red card.
Mexico finished second to Brazil in Group A while Croatia will follow Cameroon out of the tournament. Brazil will face Chile for the first game in the knock-out round and Mexico will take on the Netherlands who won Group B.
The goals did not come for Croatia however, as Mexico scored three in the last twenty minutes. Captain Rafa Marquez rose up to out-jump Croatian defender Corluka to win a header on a corner-kick (72'). Marquez had caused a few turn-overs earlier, but more than made up for himself by scoring the crucial go-ahead goal.
Moments later Mexico stretched the lead on a counter-attack led by substitute Chicharito Hernández. With Croatia pressed high up the pitch, Hernández had acres of space to push forward and picked out the run of Peralta along the right flank. Peralta then played the ball across the box for Guardado making a late run. Guardado kept his head down and hit the shot first-time to beat keeper Pletikosa (75').
Hernández scored a final goal for Mexico on another corner-kick. Rafe Marquez was again in the box for the set-piece and again won the header. This time however, he flicked the ball on to the far post where Hernández had a free header and an easy score (82').
Croatia managed to score one goal in the closing minutes of the match. Rakatić played Perišić in-on-goal with a nice back-heel flick and Perišić was able to place his shot inside the far post (87'). The goal simply came too late for Croatia and if there was to be a comeback, Rebić made sure that did not happen when he was sent off. Rebić was late with a challenge on Peña and the ref immediately showed him a red card.
Mexico finished second to Brazil in Group A while Croatia will follow Cameroon out of the tournament. Brazil will face Chile for the first game in the knock-out round and Mexico will take on the Netherlands who won Group B.
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