- Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 to move to Quarter-Final
- Mexico made a record seven consecutive exits after losing in Round of 16
- Neymar was awarded Budweiser Man of the Match
Neymar inspired Brazil, as they overcome upbeat Mexico to book a place in quarter-final. Earlier first half saw some uninspiring football, till Neymar rescued Brazil with the score line ticking. Germany, Argentina and Portugal made untimely
Mexico started well and dominated for first 20 minutes in Samara, but Brazil made a come back. Though Tite’s men were far from their best, at least in the first half of the game, but they regrouped after break to show some flashes of their samba which is expected from Brazil.
With a goal and an assist, Neymar propelled Brazil into the quarter-finals of a tournament it has won five times.
Although Neymar has scored only two goals in four games in Russia, he did enter the World Cup after spending three months recovering from a broken right foot. And it was the right foot that helped to break through Mexico’s stern resistance in Samara.
After releasing Willian with a back-heel, Neymar raced into the penalty area and slid to tap his teammate’s return cross into the net.
While his scoring is so often the focus, Neymar also creates goals for his teammates. A toe-poked attempt to beat Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the 88th minute was diverted into the path of Robert Firmino, who scored with a tap-in just like Neymar did.
“I don’t much care for criticism,” Neymar said. “Not even for praise.” The world’s most expensive player has 11 goals and nine assists in his past 19 games for Brazil.
Match Highlights: Brazil vs Mexico
