Mexico beat Croatia to seal second round spot

Mexico punched their ticket to the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday following a 3-1 win over Group A rivals Croatia in Recife that sent the Europeans out of the competition.

Mexico captain Rafael Marquez, appearing at his fourth finals, eventually broke the deadlock after 72 minutes at the Arena Pernambuco before Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez added further goals to cement a place in the knockout phase.

Croatia pulled one back through Ivan Perisic three minutes from time while substitute Ante Rebic was sent off in the dying stages for a wild lunge on Carlos Pena.

Mexico finished second in Group A with seven points, behind hosts Brazil on goal difference, and will face the Netherlands, winners of Group A, for a place in the quarter-finals.