Monday World Cup Game of the Day: Mexico vs. Croatia at Recife's Arena Pernambuco Ann Killion - SFGate
go to original June 22, 2014

Mexico fans pose before the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group A match between Brazil and Mexico at Castelao on June 17, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. (Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Croatia vs Mexico (3 PM Central Daylight )

ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Univision, ESPN3, Univision Stream, HRT 2 (Croatia), Azteca (Mexico)

One of the top two spots (likely second behind Brazil) in Group A will be decided by this game. Mexico, despite barely finding its way into the World Cup, has been one of the tournament’s great surprises. El Tri usually knows how to seize the big moment – Mexico has advanced beyond group play in the past five World Cups, joining only Brazil and Germany as the other teams to accomplish that feat.

The Mexicans’ gutty performance against Brazil, resulting in a draw, has made goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa one of the stars of this World Cup, with what he described as the best game of his life. With a win or a draw in Recife, Mexico is through (if Mexico had received better officiating in the opener it could be in position to win Group A based on goal differential). Croatia has played well, with a strong performance in a daunting environment in the opener against host Brazil and a 4-0 drubbing of Cameroon. The midfield combination of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic has been the team’s stronghold.

Mexico defeated Croatia 1-0 in the 2002 World Cup.

Related: Here's How to Watch the 2014 World Cup Online

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