The Grand Old Man of Mexico: Rafa Marquez

Mexico beat Croatia 3-1 in Racife in a thrilling encounter, enabling the North Americans to set up a mouth-watering Round of 16 clash with The Netherlands. A game that only came to life in the second half, both teams controlled the game at regular intervals, yet with Croatia chasing the game all the time – Mexico needed just a draw to qualify as runners-up of Group A – the Balkan country ultimately capitulated in the face of Mexican pressure.

The first half was a half of contradictions. Croatia had clearly more of the ball and had El Tri chasing shadows for most of the half, with the possession stats indicating the European nation had almost 63% of the ball with half an hour played, yet it was Mexico that came closest to scoring. The first chance was a piledriver of a shot from Hector Herrera that beat Croatia ‘keeper Pletikosa completely beaten, only for the ball to bounce off the crossbar. The second chance saw Peralta burst through the Croatian defence with the ball, only to slip on the greasy pitch just as he was about to pull the trigger.

However, the second half was when the game exploded into life. Mexican ‘keeper Ochoa, their saviour in the previous match, had to play the role of the saviour again, denying Mario Manzukic and Ivica Olic in quick succession.

However, a quick break down the right hand flank for Mexico resulted in Peralta sliding the ball for Guardado. Which is when all hell broke loose, the Mexican winger’s shot blocked by Croatian skipper Dario Srna’s arm in the box, yet the Uzbek referee waved the penalty appeals away, instead pointing for a corner. Mexico thought poor refereeing decisions were going to affect their game again. But one man stood strong. The Grand Old Man of Mexico, their captain. Up stepped Rafa Marquez.

As the ball swung in, Marquez leaped as he has never leaped before, all 35 years of him. He planted his head firmly on the ball, guiding it past a despairing Pletikosa. Cue a green explosion at Racife asth eMexican crowd went wild. Guardado and Chicharito added their goals in quick succession as Croatian coach Niko Kovac could only stare in disbelief at the way his team capitulated.

Ivan Perisic thought he had restored some pride by becoming the first player at this World Cup to beat Ochoa, starting and ending a sublime move that came a little too late. But even that consolation goal was spoilt by a reckless lunge by Ante Ravic on the outstanding Moreno, getting the Croatian midfielder sent-off, ending what was an exciting match on a sour note.

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