Both teams got off to a low-key start in the first half and despite three clear chances for Croatia in the opening minutes, Mexico saw most of the match as they played their short-passing game, waiting for chinks to appear in their opponents defense. The first attempt for the Croatians came in the fourth minute after Ramon Morales brought down Nico Kovak, but Robert Prosinecki blasted the free kick way over the crossbar.

The second came just minutes later with captain Davor Suker having a shot on target which Oscar Perez pushed behind for a corner. Suker also met the corner from Robert Jarni, but was again denied by Perez.

The Croatian captain, continued to be the danger man for the Mexicans to watch with several more shots on goal, but as the half progressed, Team Mexico began to be a little more dominant. Cuauhte Blanco and Jared Borgetti had shots on goal with the latter inexplicably blasting wide a golden chance from six meters in the 33rd minute with just goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa to beat.

The two sides continued to cautiously test each other out until the end of the half, though Mexico seemingly becoming more adventurous as the whistle was blown.

The second period began much like the first with some immediate Croatian pressure as Zvonimir Soldo rocketed in a header from a free kick only to see Peres punch it over the bar. The match then settled into the same sedate pace as the first with both sides feeling each other out; Croatia with high balls, which troubled Mexico's defense, while the Mexicans continued with their ground game.

Drama occurred in the 15th minute of the half when Blanco broke free into the Croatian penalty area, only to be brought down by Boris Zivkovic from behind. A penalty was awarded and the foul was determined to be a deliberate interference to a scoring chance; the defender was red-carded and expelled from the game. Blanco calmly stepped up and converted the penalty.

The game started to peter out from this point on with Mexico seemingly unable to take advantage of the extra man, as the Croatian defense held firm. With players being visibly affected by the humidity, coaches from both sides looked to their substitutes bench; Milan Rapaic came on at the start of the second half for Prosinecki, Daniel Saric subbed for Suker and Mario Stanic for Boksic, while Luis Hernandez was brought on for Borghetti and Francisico Palencia for Blanco.

As the game wound down, with Mexico looking to hold out for the win, Croatia unleashed a series of attacks winning a couple of corners, but were unable to capitalize with Perez denying them to the final whistle.

(Chris Price, chris@chosun.com )