This is the match of the group as both teams go into the match knowing that the winner takes all. With Brazil expected to beat Cameroon, this is the battle to determine who goes with the host nation to the Round of 16. Mexico need a draw to advance while Croatia must get all three points to reach the next round.
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After losing to Brazil in controversial circumstances in their opening match, the Europeans mauled Cameroon 4-0 and will fancy their chances against a Mexico side that have scored only one goal in their two group matches. Croatia have been boosted by Mario Mandzukic’s return after his suspension for the 3-1 loss against host nation Brazil. The Croatian campaign has not been without controversy as photos of the players bathing nude at their training complex in Brazil were published by the press. They responded by walloping Cameroon and will hope they can book their place in the last 16 by beating Mexico.
Mexico go into the game on the back of their 0-0 draw against Brazil and will be full of confidence. Not least their goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa who was in the form of his life, making six spectacular saves to deny the Brazilians. The 28-year old will need to keep up the form against Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic who scored 26 goals in 48 matches last season for the Bundesliga champions and netted a brace more recently in Croatia’s win against Cameroon. However, El Tri have their own fearsome goal scorer in Oribe Peralta whose move to Club America recently was the most expensive in the history of Mexican football. They also have Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, who though has not contributed a goal to this campaign, is a dangerous goal poacher and a real game changer coming off the bench.
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TEAM NEWS
Croatia coach Niko Kovac does not have the luxury of a star studded bench but his first XI is more than capable of getting the job done. He is expected to stick to the group that annihilated Cameroon for the match against Mexico. The good news for Croatia is that Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has shaken off the foot injury he picked against Brazil and will be fully fit to play alongside new Barcelona signing Ivan Rakitic.
For Mexico coach Miguel Herrera, midfield trio of Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado and Jose Vazquez have been in excellent form and will keep their places. In attack, Giovanni dos Santos and Oribe Peralta had little to do against Brazil as the side was more focused on shutting the South American nation out. The two would continue in attack with Javier Hernandez primed to come off the bench if need be.
Croatia (4-3-3): Pletikosa; Pranjic, Lovren, Corluka, Srna; Modric, Rakitic, Sammir; Perisic, Mandzukic, Olic
Mexico (3-5-2): Ochoa; Rodriguez, Moreno, Marquez; Aguilar, Herrera, Vazquez, Guardado, Layun; Dos Santos, Peralta
PREDICTION
It’s going to be a tight and intense match, no doubt and I’m having a hard time picking a winner but after all said and done, I think Mexico will go through by securing the needed point.
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