Day 12 - Croatia v Mexico

Pre-Match Thoughts
Brazil v Cameroon is likely to be an easy win for Brazil to see them through top of this group, but this game should have a bit more needle to it. The situation is simple: Croatia need to win to go through. They were unlucky against Brazil on the opening day, robbed by some dubious decisions, and you feel if Luka Modric can get a handle on the game, they'll be a tough team to beat.

There's been five Manchester United players to score in this World Cup so far: Wayne Rooney, Nani, Juan Mata, Fellani and Robin van Persie. Potentially, Javier Hernandez could make it six. He missed a sitter in the game against Cameroon and if he plays today, will be very keen to make amends. He made his name in the last World Cup but has thus far not impressed. Mexico may well need him on form today if they are to hold on.

I think Mexico's solid backline will be the key, I'll say 2-1 to them.

First Half
Bit of tension in this one, with Croatia trying not to appear too desperate but knowing they need to score. They've not come close yet, indeed, it was Mexico who smashed on against the bar.

As the half progressed, things got a bit niggly, with fouls abound and some squaring off. A red card at some point would not be a surprise.

Second Half
Hey, called the red card right at least! Mexico played this game spot on, and waited until the last third to make their strike, scoring three goals to knock the stuffing out of the Croats, including one from my man Hernandez, his first this year for his country. Croatia pulled one back before one of them just got pissed off and put the studs into a random Mexican player, for which he got his marching orders.

Result
3-1 to Mexico, who with Brazil (beat Cameroon 4-1) go through to the last 16.

Favourite Clash song?
Clampdown