Croatia’s convincing 4-0 victory over Cameroon on Wednesday evening was undoubtedly aided by the idiotic expulsion of Alex Song, supposedly one of their best-equipped players in terms of experience and composure.
With the game poised evenly at 1-0, the red card sparked a dominant second half performance from the Croatians in which they practically walked another three goals past the hapless Indomitable Lions defence.
However, the spectacular capitulation of Cameroon’s World cup challenge should not encourage Mexico to underestimate the huge challenge they will face in their decisive encounter with Niko Kovac’s side on Monday.
Miguel Herrera’s side did extremely well to hold hosts Brazil to a goalless draw in their second game, and will know very well that they only need a draw in order to progress, and while their matches have not corresponded with the goal-fuelled spirit of this tournament – one goal scored, none conceded – it shows that their strength lies in a well-organised back five.
Croatia were given the opportunity to demonstrate their strength going forward in the demolition of Cameroon and their attacking players could cause real problems for the disciplined Mexicans. Their ability to control the midfield and impose themselves on their opponents was widely noted after a harsh 3-1 defeat in the tournament opener, that could have gone differently were it not for some questionable refereeing.
Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic are obvious and well-known threats, but it was the wing play of Ivan Perisic and Ivica Olic that impressed again against Cameroon. Olic may have lost a yard of pace but his awareness and positioning is still first class, exemplified by his run for Croatia’s opening goal.
Ivan Perisic, however, is an even more potent threat, seemingly the complete player, as pace, power, finishing, passing and creative ability were all evident from his excellent performances in both matches so far. Creating the first for Olic with a sublime pass he then netted the second shortly after half time, capitalising on a poor clearance from the goalkeeper Charles Itandje and running half the pitch before calmly slotting the ball in at the near post.
Mario Mandzukic also scored a double and the Bayern Munich man will be a handful for any defence the Croatians encounter, bagging a brace, his goals were admittedly helped by some truly woeful defending.
This attacking unit will therefore possibly pose an even more serious challenge to the Mexican defence than that of the Brazilians. Fred seems to be half the player of Mandzukic, and Gustavo and Paulinho in the middle lacked the creative incision that Rakitic and Modric are capable of.
Croatia also have options on the bench. Inter’s Mateo Kovacic failed to retain his place for the second match but is a real talent despite needing some refinement at his tender age and Eduardo is also capable of causing some damage.
The attacking ability of these players will face a much sterner examination against the robust Mexicans however, and they are unlikely to be afforded the space and time to dictate proceedings that the depleted Cameroon afforded them.
Follow Alasdair Mackenzie on Twitter: @olimpiacalcio
