World Cup roundup: 6-24
Mexico cruises; Brazil, Dutch win their groups
6/24/2014RECIFE, Brazil — Mexico surged into the World Cup’s knockout stage for a sixth-straight time Monday with a 3-1 win against Croatia in Group A.
Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado, and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez scored in a 10-minute span in the second half, dooming a talented Croatia side to elimination from the group stage.
The Croats had to win to advance and held the bulk of possession, but had trouble seriously threatening goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who kept out all efforts until an 87th-minute consolation goal from Ivan Perisic.
Mexico entered the game needing only a draw, and it looked dangerous in attack, but was kept out until the three-goal burst.
BRAZIL 4, CAMEROON 1
BRASILIA, Brazil — Neymar scored twice to help Brazil win Group A.
Fred and Fernandinho added second-half goals for Brazil, which will face South American rival Chile in the second round.
Neymar netted twice in the first half, on either side of midfielder Joel Matip’s goal for Cameroon in the 26th minute.
NETHERLANDS 2, CHILE 0
SAO PAULO — Leroy Fer scored a minute after coming on as a substitute to break the deadlock and help give the Dutch win Group B with three straight wins.
Fer had only just replaced Wesley Sneijder when he rose almost unmarked in the Chile penalty area to put the Dutch ahead with a 77th-minute header. Another substitute, Memphis Depay, scored in injury time.
SPAIN 3, AUSTRALIA 0
CURITIBA, Brazil — Defending champion Spain salvaged some pride with a convincing victory in its last match at the tournament.
David Villa, on his 97th and final appearance, put Spain ahead in the Group B match in the 36th minute with his record 59th goal.