RECIFE, Brazil (AP):

Mexico surged into the World Cup's knockout stage for a sixth straight time with an emphatic win over Croatia. 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 Croatians had to win to advance and held the bulk of possession, but had trouble seriously threatening goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who kept out all efforts in the group stage until an 87th-minute consolation goal from Ivan Perisic.

Marquez struck first, beating Croatia defender Vedran Corluka to head home Hector Herrera's corner kick in the 72nd minute. Three minutes later, Guardado found the net with a hard, left-foot shot after a cross from Oribe Peralta.

In the 82nd minute, Hernandez, the popular Manchester United striker who has been a second-half substitute in all three of Mexico's matches, scored with a header after Herrera's corner had glanced off the head of Marquez. The unbeaten Mexico finished on seven points with Brazil, but were relegated to second spot in the group on goal difference.