It’s do or die as Mexico and Croatia battle it out to see who will progress to the next stage of the World Cup. Join The Roar for live scores and commentaries from 6:00am (AEST).
While the host nation of Brazil hasn’t been all that impressive they are in the box seat to finish on top of Group A. What that means for both of these sides is quite simple – lose and you’re out.
The task however is a little more difficult for Croatia who need to win this game or they will be eliminated from the World Cup.
A draw or victory will see Mexico advance; there is also a small chance Brazil could lose by three goals and a one goal victory to Croatia would see both these sides advance.
If Croatia advances it would be the first time they have advanced past the group stage since their maiden World Cup in 1998 where they finished third.
Team news:
Neither coach appears to have any injury concerns heading into this morning’s game, which means we are likely to see both sides’ full strength teams for this morning’s encounter.
The X Factor:
Guillermo Ochoa – the Mexican keeper is fighting for his career and is wearing his country’s pride on his sleeve. He was outstanding in a man of the match performance that earned Mexico a crucial point against Brazil in their last game.
Brazil had 14 shots including 8 on target in their game against Mexico and if Mexico is going to stand any chance in this one Ochoa will need to stand up again; otherwise an all-out attack from Croatia will be too good for Mexico.
My prediction:
I think Croatia will be too good in this one; they were superb in their effort against Cameroon where Mexico has only managed to score one goal in two attempts. I’m thinking the firepower from Croatia will be too much for Mexico to handle.
Croatia to win 2-0
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Glad I could help Lucia :)
MelbCro
Guest
That was an embarrassing performance by Croatia. I feel sick after watching that. 11 guys on the field playing like they don't care. Pathetic
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Plenty of counter attacking football on offer in that match.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Mexico face Holland next round
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time - Croatia 1 vs. Mexico 3 Thanks for joining me this morning my man of the match for this morning is Guardado who constantly tormented the Croatian defence, have a good day everyone! :)
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time - Croatia 1 vs. Mexico 3 Well it was a tentative first half where neither side was able to get much going. But an exciting second half eventuated with Mexico's counter attack just too good for Croatia who were unable to stop Mexico. It was more than deserved from Mexico who were denied a penalty after Srna handled the ball in the box before the referee waved it away. In the end Mexico go through and they will play the Netherlands in what looks to be a juicy encounter after both had solid wins this morning. Based on both performances I would have the Dutch to win that game through extra-time.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full time - Croatia 1 vs. Mexico 3 Mexico go through again, they've defeated a Croatian side who in the end were unable to deal with an irresistible Mexican counter-attack.
VICTOR
Guest
VIVA MEXICCCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'90+3 Croatia 1 vs. Mexico 3 Slowing down now as the Mexican fans are in full voice, they have earned their place in the next round and the holiday for them in Brazil lasts a little longer.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'90+1 Croatia 1 vs. Mexico 3 Rakitic with a good cross and Perisic nearly scores again, good save from Ochoa but the flag was up for Mandzukic who followed up on the shot.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'90 Croatia 1 vs. Mexico 3 It's all elementary now until the referee blows the final whistle. But Croatia could perhaps steal another and they won't die wondering despite the red card.
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Flying studs up challenge by Rebic earns him a red and an early shower. Hard to complain with refs decision.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Yeah they nearly got there, nice bit of play from Croatia. Crazy second half, goals galore.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'88 Croatia 1 vs. Mexico 3 Red Card Croatia Wow! Rebic looked like he was in on goal but with his studs up he catches Pena and he goes. A straight red!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'87 Croatia 1 vs. Mexico 3 Goal Croatia A nice play from Croatia finally breaks the Mexican defence. Rakitic with the backheel plays Perisic on goal and Ochoa concedes for the first time in this World Cup.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
I was about to write that if Mexico score again they'll go top of the group, but Brazil has already scored, so Mexico will definitely end 2nd, and set to face Holland next round.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Crazy stuff if Mexico score again they top the group. That would send many into a spin!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'84 Croatia 0 vs. Mexico 3 If Mexico score again they will face Chile and not the Netherlands! Wow! Mexico sub - Guardado comes off and Fabian comes on
Stevo
Roar Rookie
'Capitulation' is the word here.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'83 Croatia 0 vs. Mexico 3 Goal Mexico Two is good but three is all so nice! The Croatians have put up the white flag and Hernandez from the corner gets another one home as Marquez works it to the back post and Hernandez unmarked sends a warning message to the Dutch. The looks on the Croatian faces say it all.