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Croatia v Mexico: World Cup preview

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Photobombing his players and engaging regularly on Twitter, Miguel Herrera is certainly making sure he enjoys his time in Brazil. But when it comes to matters on the pitch, the charismatic Mexico coach is nothing but serious about ensuring qualification from Group A in their final group game against Croatia. The Mexicans are currently unbeaten from two matches, with an opening 1-0 victory over Cameroon followed by a hard-fought goalless draw with hosts Brazil, thanks in large part to an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Next up is Croatia at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife with a draw enough to ensure the team reaches the last 16 for the sixth consecutive time. But Herrera – who posted on Twitter that he intends to use the same lineup as the Brazil game – insists they will be going out for maximum points. "We're in the group and battling it out for a place (in the next round) even with Brazil," said Herrera. "We've still got another group game to play and, like always, we'll be going all out for the win. "I told the lads that they did an excellent job (against Brazil), but we've still got to give everything to try and qualify." Not since 1986 have the Mexicans reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup but, buoyed by their draw with Brazil, Herrera believes his current crop of players could be writing a new chapter in the history books. "This team has the guts to do a different World Cup," he added. "We played a great game against a great rival in their stadium. "The attitude shown by my players gives me peace of mind." Croatia brought themselves back into contention for qualification with a 4-0 demolition of Cameroon following their opening loss to Brazil. And, with victory guaranteeing them a place in the knockout stage for the first time in 16 years, manager Niko Kovac is relishing the challenge. "The match against Mexico will be like a final, Mexico are strong, but so are we," he said. "The Mexico players are very patriotic, just like us, and they have a great team spirit. "They play some aggressive football with a lot of pressing. "They are strong going forward, but also have some weaknesses in defence, like Brazil showed us."

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