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.

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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.

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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.