Mexico Beats Croatia And Makes Its Place As Group A's 2nd Awaiting For Netherlands

All of the scoring came in the second half here Monday as Mexico defeated Croatia 3-1 to grab the second World Cup knockout stage berth from Group A.

The result left Mexico with seven points, the same as Brazil, but the host nation took first place in the group thanks to a larger goal differential.

"El Tri," whose next opponent will be Group B winner Holland, have advanced to the second round of every World Cup competition going back to 1994.

The Mexicans found the going rough in the first half on Monday, confronted by a tenacious Croatian side that clogged the middle of the field while launching offensive forays down the flanks.

When El Tri crossed the midfield line, they were confronted by a defensive wall that left shots from distance as the only option.

Rafael Marquez broke the scoreless tie in the 72nd minute, scoring with a header off a corner kick, and Andres Guardado doubled Mexico's lead just three minutes later.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez scored for Mexico at the 82nd-minute mark, followed by Ivan Perisic's consolation goal for Croatia in the 87th minute.