Brazil 2014: Mexico Routs Croatia 3-1 in Final 20 Minutes
The match in Recife between Mexico and Croatia was a goalless affair right up until the 72nd minute, with Croatia looking increasingly shaky as the night wore on.
While Croatia had enjoyed a good share of possession, they were repeatedly denied by Mexico’s organized defense, led by veteran defender and captain, Marquez and goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa.
Rafael Marquez eventually broke the deadlock, powering home a corner from Porto’s Hector Herrera, and Mexico went on to ravage their European opponents.
Soon after, a swift Mexican counter attack was finished by Andres Guardado, who left-footed the ball into the top left as he met the cross from Oribe Peralta.
Any ligering Croatian hopes were dashed in the 82nd minute as Javier Hernandez, on for the last quarter of the game, proved his rightful claim for a place in Mexico’s starting line-up. Another Herrera corner was flicked on by Hector Moreno for the Manchester United striker to head home.
Croatia – who would have gone through with a win – did bag a consolation goal thanks to Wolfsburg’s Ivan Perisic, who had squandered a chance early in the match. However, there was another low point in store for the Balkan side, when Fiorentina’s Ante Rebic saw red for a studs-up challenge on Carlos Pena just a minute from time.
Mexico will now meet the Netherlands, top team in group B, in the Knockout phase.