World Cup Group A Croatia 1-3 Mexico Marquez 72, Guardado 75, Hernandez 81 Perisic 87 Mexico made no mistake in defeating Croatia 3-1 and finishing second in the group for a place in the last 16.
Croatia needed a win to progress but their lack of adventure in going for the victory will be a great disappointment to all their supporters along with conceding three late goals in a nine minute period in the second half.
Mexico have now reached the knockout stage in each of their last seven World Cup appearances and were much to solid in defence to be troubled by a shot-shy Croatian forward line.
The Europeans had plenty of the ball but showed little urgency in their play and paid the price with a late salvo of goals.
Veteran Rafael Márquez put the Mexican's ahead with a header in the 72nd minute. Two minutes later and Croatia were down and on their way home as midfielder Andres Guardado doubled the South American's advantage.
It was no more than they deserved after earlier seeing a shot clearly handled by Croatia skipper Darijo Srna but the officials waved play-on.
A third followed from Javier Hernandez before frustrated substitute Ante Rebic left a boot in high and dangerous on Carlos Pena and Croatia saw out the last minutes with ten men.
Croatia did score a consolation through Ivan Perisic but it was all too little, too late leaving Mexico to face a meeting with the Netherlands.
