Croatia - Mexico
World Cup, Group A.
23 June 2014, 17:00 (22:00 Croatian time)
Arena Pernambuco, Recife.
With a defeat against host nation Brazil (1:3) and a victory against Cameroon (4:0), Croatia awaits the clash with Mexico to try and reach the next round of the World Cup.
In the Group A table, Mexico is a point ahead, courtesy of winning against Cameroon (1:0) - the lone goal scored by Peralta - and drawing with Brazil (0:0). Croatia's victory in Recife guarantees a spot in the Last 16.
"We have the hope, the desire, and the will to secure the second round berth. The pressure is more on Mexico, considering their aims. We respect Mexico, but Croatia is getting better and better, scoring the most goals in our group. We have to work as a team, then everything will be alright", said Croatia head coach Niko Kovač before the match.
June edition of FIFA ranking placed Mexico only two places below Croatia (position 20). Niko Kovač has all of his players at his disposal.
"I believe in a historic achievement. From the World Cup play-offs against Iceland it is obvious that the players understand our philosophy, they are very intelligent. I have to right to be positive", said Kovač.
The referee is Ravshan Irmatov of Uzbekistan.
In the other Group A match, Brazil takes on Cameroon. Should the Cameroonians win, Croatia can also draw with Mexico and continue its Brazilian adventure.
"Our motivation is high, we want to achieve more than we did at the EURO 2012. This team has quality to do so. Everything rests upon our shoulders, we need to be at our best and I am convinced that we will play a good match. I believe in a positive outcome", said Croatian international Luka Modrić.
