Neymar shines as Brazil overcomes Mexico to reach the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

Mexico surprised everyone with their choice to play an aggressive, high-pressure game in the first half. (Photo:)AP.

Neymar played the hero, scoring a goal in the 51st minute and making a significant contribution to Firmino's goal that sealed the 2-0 victory in the final minutes. Brazil showed greater consistency across all lines compared to their opponents, especially in the second half.

Tite's players calmly neutralized their opponents' relentless pressing tactics. Brazil created numerous scoring opportunities, and the excellent performance of goalkeeper Ochoa helped Mexico limit the number of goals conceded.

Meanwhile, Mexico surprised everyone by opting for an aggressive, attacking approach from the start of the match. However, their attack lacked sharpness and luck, and they conceded a goal early in the second half, ruining their plan. Neymar exploited the large gaps in their own half twice.

After defeating Mexico, Brazil will face the winner of the Belgium-Japan match in the quarter-finals.

Returning to the match's events, Mexico started well and had the first chance of the game. Andres Guardado crossed the ball from the left wing. Goalkeeper Alisson rushed out to punch the ball away, but his intervention sent the ball to Lozano's feet. After controlling the ball with one touch, the Mexican striker unleashed a volley, but Miranda managed to shield it, sending the ball out of bounds.

In the 25th minute, Neymar had the most notable chance of the first half, but his shot from a tight angle lacked the power to beat Mexico's goalkeeper Ochoa.

Neymar shines, helping Brazil advance. Photo:AP.

Entering the second half, Brazil quicklyOpened the scoring at 1-0.In the 51st minute, the Samba team's attack was finished off precisely by Neymar. Following a cross from Willian, the PSG striker easily finished from close range to score.

In the 61st minute, Mexico responded with a left-footed shot from Carlos Vela outside the penalty area, but it was saved by goalkeeper Alisson. After falling behind, the South American team increased the pace of the game and launched attacks with their best players in an attempt to quickly equalize.

However, Mexico lacked sharpness in their attacking play, relying mainly on Lozano's brilliance, making their attacks monotonous and easily predictable. By pushing their formation high up the pitch, the Central American team left many gaps in their own half, and Neymar successfully exploited this in the 89th minute, dribbling at high speed to tear apart the opposing defense and create an opportunity for Firmino.The final score was 2-0.

Starting lineup

Brazil: Alisson, Fagner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Filipe Luis, Paulinho, Casemiro, Willian, Coutinho, Neymar, Gabriel Jesus.

Mexico: Ochoa, Alvarez, Ayala, Salcedo, Gallardo, Herrera, Marquez, Guardado, Vela, Hernandez, Lozano.