CROATIA 1-3 MEXICO
Unsurprisingly it was a slow match as Mexico's defence asserted it's dominance on the match. Croatia held the advantage in possession throughout the game but time and again found themselves turned away from scoring chances by a team that nearly went through the entire group without surrendering a goal.
A pair of Croatia chances went wayward early in the game and Mexico nearly found its way on to the scoreboard in the 16th minute. The ball was laid in the midfield to Hector Herrera. Herrera's laser of a shot eluded Stipe Pletikosa in Croatia's goal but curled in to the corner of the crossbar and post and out.
As the game progressed, Mexico fell further back in to a defensive shell, eager to protect the tie that would see them on to the Round of 16. They refused to stop attacking in possession though and were finally rewarded for their efforts. Captain Rafael Marquez, who was the anchor of the Mexican defence all through the group stage got above his defender on a corner kick and headed home the goal that would crush Croatia's hopes of advancing.
Pushing forward in a desperate attempt to score and get back in the game, Croatia left themselves exposed at the back and were punished for it. Andres Guardado slotted the ball home carefully on an odd-man rush and then Javier Hernandez finished things off by heading home off a corner kick.
Ivan Perisic was able to pull one back for Croatia but it was far too little, too late and Mexico ran Croatia out of time in this game. That was not before Ante Rebic got his studs up on Carlos Pena and drew a straight red card that could bring further suspension for 2018 World Cup qualifying.
Goals
Croatia: Ivan Perisic (87')
Mexico: Rafael Marquez (72'), Andres Guardado (75'), Javier Hernandez (82')
Discipline
Mexico: Rafael Marquez (Yellow 39'), Jose Vazquez (Yellow 65' - Misses Round of 16)
Man of the Match
Rafael Marquez was named Man of the Match. Marquez was a rock in central defence for the third straight game and also chipped in the opening goal for Mexico with 18 minutes left on the clock.
Key Moment
With Croatia getting some sustained pressure and needing a win to advance, Mexico won a corner kick with 20 minutes to play. Rafael Marquez rose above his defender and directed his header between the back post and Stipe Pletikosa. The goal gave Mexico a much-needed cushion and they were able to pour goals on from there as Croatia went in to full attack mode.
What we learned from Croatia
Don't think they have anything to be ashamed of here, you could argue they were the better team for the first 70 minutes. Got too aggressive after Marquez scored but when you need 2 goals in 20 minutes then you have to take chances. Some young players that can return and make a run at the next World Cup. Need to look elsewhere in goal though, Pletikosa was a weak point for them throughout the tournament.
What we learned from Mexico
They finally surrendered a goal late but for the third straight game, Mexico won with their defence. Croatia were able to get little in the way of quality scoring chances despite spending considerable time on the ball in the Mexican half. Need to find a way to get more offensive pressure on a consistent basis, and will have to figure out how to control the midfield without Vazquez who will be suspended in their next match.
Croatia will take some promise from this performance in to Euro 2016 qualifying. Mexico have a date with Netherlands in the Round of 16 which should test their defence greatly. Netherlands have scored at least 2 goals in each of their last 4 matches.
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