Croatia's Sammir ready for tough Mexico test

Getafe attacking midfielder Sammir impressed in Croatia's 4-0 win over Cameroon on Wednesday as Niko Kovac's men kept hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive in emphatic fashion.

The 27-year-old's appearance against Cameroon marked only his seventh cap for Croatia, who sit third in the group, one point behind Mexico and Brazil.

"I am pleased with how I played against Cameroon," Sammir told 24 Sata.

"I hope to be included for the match with Mexico."

Mexico - who have yet to concede a goal in the World Cup - only require a draw to progress, while Croatia, in all likelihood, will need to claim all three points in Recife.

Kovac's team will reach the next stage with a draw and a surprise Brazil defeat to Cameroon, but Sammir does not want to leave anything to chance against a side that won plaudits after holding the hosts to a goalless stalemate on Tuesday.

"Our goal is clear," he added. "We have to win to get through to the second round. I hope it is not the last game of the tournament.

"Mexico has a great team, working as a group, rather than standing out individually.

"Their advantage over us is that they'd need to draw, but we will make sure that this does not happen.

"It will be a tough 90 minutes, mentally it is hard to play when you know you just have to win, but we'll do our best.

"Mexico has played very well, a very strong start. But we have a few days to get ready for them, and to study how to stop them."