Mexico defeats Croatia 3-1 to reach knock-out stage

June 24, 2014 03:33 am | Updated May 23, 2016 06:54 pm IST - Recife, Brazil

Team-mates celebrate after Mexico's defender Rafael Marquez (not seen) scored his team's first goal during a Group A football match between Croatia and Mexico at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife. Photo: AFP

Team-mates celebrate after Mexico's defender Rafael Marquez (not seen) scored his team's first goal during a Group A football match between Croatia and Mexico at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife. Photo: AFP

Mexico score three times in the second half to defeat Croatia 3-1 and set up a clash with the Netherlands in the second round of the World Cup.

Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez scored the goals that left Mexico in second place in Group A behind leaders Brazil, 4-1 winners against Cameroon in the group’s other game.

Ivan Perisic scored a late consolation goal for Croatia, the first conceded by the Mexicans in their three matches in the group stage.

Mexico had more of the play and deserved their victory against Croatia, who needed to win the match in order to reach the next round.

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