"Today is one of the happiest days of my life and I have to compliment my team. I hope we'll have a few more great days yet," said Mexico's big boss, Miguel Herrera.
Mexico did it.
After making goals three times in a span of 10 minutes in the last half of the game, Mexico is now officially qualified for the Round of 16. The leaves Croatia packing, as they got defeated by a 3-1.
It was Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado, and Javier Hernandez who scored for the team.
The first half started coolly but slowly during the first half, but it the first 45 minutes ended in a scoreless game. However, the El Tri never showed signs of agreeing into a draw.
The game really started when Coach Herrera decided to shuffle his pack, and put Gio dos Santos in the benches. The inefficient player was replaced by striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez.
In the 72nd minute of the match, Marquez managed to deliver the game's first score with the help of Chicharito. He hustled against Vedran Corluka and Dejan Lovren, then made it through goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa. Thus, a 1-0.
However, the Mexicans had already sent another goal just after three minutes after their first. This time, it was Andres Guardado who did the scoring. He came through Oribe Peralta along the sides.
Then, a stunner from Javier Hernandez took the Croats in a surprise as he goaled for Mexico's third.
In the 87th minute, Ivan Perisic of Croatia tried to fight back, but perhaps admitted defeat. Thus, a single consolation.
"We weren't that bad but Mexico were better than us. The final score makes it looks worse than it really was though. Mexico were very compact at the back and we couldn't find a way through them. We have to go home now but life goes on. It's been a very positive World Cup for us, it gave us new impetus and we played well," said Niko Kovac, Croatia coach.
With the win, Mexico will have to face the mighty Netherlands for their first Knockout game.
"The Netherlands are a great side. After such a tight game we need to recover now. We had to fight hard but we performed as a team once again," admitted Marquez.
