Brazil had to be patient against Mexico, but two second half goals saw them edge out their opponents to a place in the quarter finals in an entertaining contest at the Samara Arena.
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Mexico who headed in to the game with their confidence dented following a 3-0 drubbing by Sweden in their final group game, never looked confident in front of goal which ultimately cost them dearly.
Mexico got off to a very bright start as their wingers Hirving Lozano and Carlos Vela caused several problems for the Brazilian backline, despite no clear-cut chances being created from their forays in to the opposition box.
Brazil had a great opportunity around the half hour mark, when Neymar dribbled his way into the box, but he was denied brilliantly by Guillermo Ochoa as Brazil started to grow into the game.
Brazil enjoyed a few good chances in the Mexican box following the initial chance, but a combination of committed Mexican defenders and the in-form Ochoa kept the game scoreless at the half time whistle.
Half Time – Brazil 0 – 0 Mexico
Brazil started the second half exactly where they left off, with Coutinho testing Ochoa from inside the box and five minutes in to the half Brazil got the goal they deserved following some lovely interplay between Neymar and Willian, which ended with Neymar steering home Willian’s cross from point blank range.
Willian was a real threat throughout most of the game and had a couple of efforts on target well saved by Ochoa.
Mexico on the other hand struggled to test Allison in the Brazil goal and their first attempt on target was around the hour mark, when Vela’s long-range curler was tipped over the bar by the AS Roma keeper.
As Mexico were chasing an equalizer, Brazil pounced on the counter, as after Neymar was played through by Fernandinho, he toe poked the ball past Ochoa and into the path of substitute Firmino to stab home and double the Brazilian advantage.
Brazil held on to their 2-0 advantage, to seal their progression to the quarter finals with a solid all-round performance.
Full Time – Brazil 2 – 0 Mexico
Man of the Match – Neymar
Goal Scorers
Brazil – Neymar 51’, Firmino 88’Bookings
Yellow Cards
Brazil – Filipe Luis 43’, Casemiro 59’
Mexico – Edson Alvarez 38’, Hector Herrera 55’, Carlos Salcedo 77’, Andres Guardado 90+2’
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