Full-time: Brazil 2-0 Mexico It’s all over. Brazil advance to the quarter-finals courtesy of goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino. They scored two tap-ins from a combined distance of about five yards, but they all count. Mexico exit the competition in the first knockout round for the seventh time in a row.
Brazil are turning on the charm. Willian holds the ball on the right wing before releasing on overlapping Fagner to the byline. The right-back cuts a measured pass back to Paulinho who sees a shot saved by Ochoa.
Willian has been absolutely terrific this half. He drives forward yet again and enters the box down the right side. He unleashes a powerful strike towards goal which is tipped over by the ever-present Ochoa.
The ref deems it to be accidental and waves play on. Neymar is back up on his feet as well, though walking a bit gingerly. Five minutes of normal time remaining for Mexico to score an equaliser. For all their dominance, Brazil has not killed off the game and have to ensure a nervy ending.
Well! Brazil has done it. They have killed the game off. Fernandinho gathered possession and set Neymar free down the left. The PSG man strode into the box and squared a ball for Firmino to tap into an empty net. Brazil is into the quarter-finals!
That’s it. Mexico’s familiar failings at the Round of 16 stage sprouts up again. This is the 7th World Cup in a row where they have been eliminated at this stage. Brazil was good value for their win despite some shoddy finishing at times. Neymar, Coutinho and Willian synced up well which will be a huge positive for Tite. Brazil will take on the winners of tonight’s tie between Belgium and Japan in the quarterfinals.
Source: News365coza
