Mexico's offense shows up at right time

With this header, Chicharito broke an 11 match scoreless streak

Recife, BRAZIL-Mexico broke through a scoreless match for three goals in the last 20 minutes to defeat Croatia 3-1 and advance to the Round of 16. Mexico got off to a somewhat slow start but late in the first half they seemed to wake up and put consistent pressure on the Croatian defense. In the end the Mexican offense was simply too persistent for Croatia.


Mexico came into the game having scored only once, an Oribe Peralta finish in the first game against Cameroon. Today, when they most needed points, the offense clicked on all cylinders. Mexican captain Rafael Marquez broke the scoreless tie in the 72nd minute on a header off a corner kick by Hector Herrera. Three minutes later Andres Guardado found the back of the net off a Peralta cross. In the 82nd minute Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez emerged from his offensive slumber to score a header off a Marquez flick.

Croatia got one goal back in the 87th minute off the foot of Ivan Perisic but on the whole they were not able to create the offensive connections that were so effective last game between their three offensive threats, Perisic, Mario Mandzukic and Ivica Olic.

Mexico will advance to the Round of 16 as the second place team from Group A and will play one of the hottest teams in the tournament, the Netherlands. Croatia, though impressive at times lacked the consistency needed to advance and will be heading home.