A very important match in the 2014 World Cup takes place today between Croatia and Mexico in Group A. It appears the oddsmakers are expecting a highly contested match between these two clubs. Currently the World Cup odds for the match have Mexico as a slight favorite to pick up the victory.

Croatia vs Mexico World Cup Odds

Croatia pk -104 +180

Draw     +215

This is going to be the match with a lot of eyes on it later today. Both Croatia and Mexico have a chance to reach the Round of 16, but they'll have to do it against each other in in this matchup. Mexico can qualify for the knockout stage by winning or picking up a draw. Croatia has to win today in order to advance. 

Croatia is saying all the right things heading into this match, mentioning it's "like a final" and that they must win. Often times that could prove to put too much pressure on a team, but Croatia has no choice. They need to win and Mexico knows that's the case. Imagine if the Mexicans come out and lose this game? They played brilliantly in both their win over Cameroon and the draw against World Cup favorite Brazil. But both of those matches would certainly be forgotten rather quickly if Mexico can't advance to the next stage of the tournament.

Mexico goalie Guillermo Ochoa has really made a name for himself at this year's World Cup. He's clearly a very good stopgap for the Mexicans and could prove to make all the difference in the world in this matchup tonight. If you can have an advantage with the goalie, it will make a major difference. So far in two matches Mexico has been able to showcase that and they're planning for another great game tonight. He'll need to be good as well as Croatia has averaged more than 14 shots in their two World Cup contests.

Mario Mandzukic will have a major impact on this match from Croatia. He didn't play in the opener but scored twice against Cameroon. He can also cause some problems on set plays. 

Croatia can get a victory in this match and it won't be easy. That also goes for Mexico, but we believe the Mexicans have been playing very good soccer to this point in the tournament. We like Mexico to win the game, but a draw possibility still remains, which Mexico would have no problem with that result.

Free Pick: Mexico 2, Croatia 1

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