Croatia set up mouthwatering Mexico clash

Barcelona new boy Ivan Rakitic and his Croatia team-mates set up an explosive final match against Mexico by beating Cameroon 4-0 in Manaus in a match which also saw Barca's Alex Song sent off.

Niko Kovač's side, after their opening day defeat against Brazil, now have three points and will take on the Mexicans, who are level with the hosts on four, knowing a win will take them through to the last 16.

It took the Croatians just over 10 minutes to open the scoring and, even though it was against the run of play at the time, they never looked like being beaten once they were in front.

The returning Mario Mandzukic wrestled for control in the box and the ball broke to Ivan Perisic, who picked out the perfect pass for Ivica Olic to open the scoring.

Two events either side of half-time then made a difficult task an impossible one for Cameroon.

First of all Song was senf off in the build up to the break for elbowing Mandzukic and then Perisic doubled Croatia's lead with a fine finish in the 48th minute.

Mandzukic headed in a third on the hour and soon tapped in a fourth; the Croatians were strolling.

Cameroon, meanwhile, join Group B's Australia and Spain in packing their bags after being eliminated from the World Cup.

Match facts

Cameroon: Itandje; Nkoulou, Chedjou (Nounkeu 45), Matip, Assou-Ekotto, Song, Mbia, Enoh, Moukandjo, Choupo-Moting (Salli 75), Aboubakar (Webo 70). 

Sent off: Alex Song 40.

Croatia: Pletikosa; Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Pranjic, Rakitic, Modric, Perisic (Rebic 78), Sammir (Kovacic 72), Olic (Eduardo 69), Mandzukic.

Goals: Olic 11, Perisic 48, Madzukic 61 and 73.

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)