Mexico defeated Croatia 3-1 on Monday, clinching a berth in the round of 16. Here are observations from Mexico's biggest game in years.

1. Boring first half, exciting second

For a game both teams needed to win, one might have expected a more intense affair. And while tempers were certainly flaring throughout, the soccer was far from impressive. Both teams took turns going up the pitch and threatening each others' respective nets, but few chances excited viewers. Croatia seemed lost for ideas on how to break down a disciplined Mexican side, while El Tri looked a bit overwhelmed trying to get into the box. For example, Oribe Peralta received a glorious through ball that put him one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The striker, seemingly shocked at finally getting this kind of opportunity, flubbed his first touch and wound up deflecting it out of bounds.

But the team came into its own in the second half and confounded Croatia's backline. The catalyst? Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez. The moment the Manchester United property stepped onto the pitch, the team looked rejuvenated. He helped set up the second goal with an adept pass to Peralta, and he punctuated the victory with the third goal.

2. Mexico defends set pieces well, scores on them

One of Mexico's big problems in the second game, against Brazil, was defending against set pieces. The team earned a worthy 0-0 draw, but Brazil created a lot of opportunities because El Tri was poor at defending in the air. Guillermo Ochoa made a plethora of amazing saves, but he wouldn't have had to had his team been up to task. Mexico had clearly improved on this against Croatia, as the team allowed no major scoring chances via corners or free kicks.

The strong defense on set pieces continued in the second half, which is when El Tri capitalized on two set pieces on offense to win the game. Rafa Marquez connected on a corner for the first goal, and Hernandez capitalized on a corner for the Mexico's third goal of the evening.

3. Mexico's penetration into the box is woeful in first half, not in second

As noted, El Tri had no idea how to get past the opposition's back four. It was a problem against Brazil, and it remained one against the Croats. The team compensated for this lack of creativity by resorting to its usual method of attack -- firing from long range. It almost worked for Hector Herrera 16 minutes in, but he hit the crossbar. After that, Mexico's lost blasts continually went over the crossbar and didn't threaten the European defense. It is becoming increasingly clear that Luis Montes is sorely missed.

But also as noted, Hernandez create more opportunites for the team. On one cross, he was fouled from behind, and on Mexico's subsequent opportunity in the box, Dario Srna stopped the shot with his hand. The referee made no call. But Mexico kept getting more confident and scored its second goal when Hernandez and Peralta's strong counter became a pretty passing play that wound up on Andres Guardado's foot. He fired it into the net.

4. Croatia is disastrous

Amid the copious talk preceding the game, Luka Modric said Croatia was more talented man for man and ultimately better. But as a unit, this team could not function. It looked solid early, but by the second half, its defense was being incessantly attacked down the left flank, and its offense was being shut down by Mexico's aggressive defense. It was an experiment in futility. When Mexico started to take charge, the Croats seemed lost at how to pass effectively out of the back. The team repeatedly gave the ball back to Mexico, and any attempts at an attack consisted of playing long balls and hoping for something.

Modric made some nice plays into the box, but he struggled to do much. Ivan Rakitic was almost invisible throughout the game. Mario Mandzukic did not have the impact he'd had against Cameroon and may not have had a single good play. Srna was noticeable, but erratic. It was a disappointing display from a team that had given Brazil a run for its money and then thoroughly dismantled Cameroon.

Man of the Match

Chicharito's entrance crucially gave Mexico a new attacking option. He had not scored in previous matches, but he found a way to make his presence felt in this one. He did not need the goal, but it provided him with a much-needed confidence booster after he'd failed to score in 12 matches for his country.

Flop of the Match

Rakitic was invisible. His speed and intelligent passing were absent, and sorely missing for a Croatian side that looked surprisingly disorganized in the midfield.