World Cup

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Attendance: 41,212

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 23, 2014 at 9pm UK

Croatia
1-3
Mexico

Perisic (87')
Rebic (90')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Marquez (72'), Guardado (75'), Hernandez (82')

Mexico through to last 16 of the World Cup

By Paul Gorst, Reporter | 23 June 2014

Mexico see off Croatia 3-1 to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup in Recife.

Three goals in less than 10 second-half minutes gave Mexico a convincing 3-0 win against Croatia tonight to book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Rafael Marquez opened the scoring on 72 minutes when he rose highest from a corner, before Andres Guardado made it 2-0 minutes later when he fired into the roof of the net to cap off a quick counter-attack.

Mexico's defender Rafael Marquez celebrates after scoring during a Group A football match between Croatia and Mexico at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 23, 2014 © Getty Images

Substitute Javier Hernandez made the result safe with eight minutes remaining when the Manchester United striker headed home from close range.

Ivan Perisic clawed one back for the European side when he squeezed his effort in from a tight angle, but it was to be Mexico's night, and the South Americans finished the group stage on seven points alongside Brazil.

Mexico's defender Andres Guardado celebrates after scoring the 0-2 during a Group A football match against Croatia on June 23, 2014 © Getty Images

However, the hosts' superior 'goals scored' column means that they go through as group winners, leaving the Mexicans to face a daunting game with the Netherlands.