Neymar shines, Brazil overcomes Mexico to reach the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup

Mexico surprised everyone by choosing to play aggressively in the first half. Photo:AP.

Neymar played the hero role when he scored directly in the 51st minute and contributed greatly to teammate Firmino sealing the 2-0 victory in the final minutes. Brazil showed more balance in all lines than their opponents, especially in the second half.

Coach Tite's students calmly neutralized the opponent's plan of continuous pressing and pressure. Brazil created many scoring opportunities and the excellence of goalkeeper Ochoa helped Mexico limit the number of goals conceded.

Meanwhile, Mexico surprised everyone by choosing to attack first when entering the match. However, the lack of sharpness in the attack, lack of luck and defeat at the beginning of the second half caused Mexico's plan to fail. Neymar took advantage of the big gaps in the home field twice.

Brazil will face the winner of the Belgium-Japan match in the quarter-finals.

Back to the match, Mexico started well and had the first chance of the match. Andres Guardado crossed from the left wing. Goalkeeper Alisson came out to punch the ball but his intervention sent the ball to Lozano. After a moment of control, the Mexican striker volleyed but Miranda covered him in time, sending the ball out of bounds.

In the 25th minute, Neymar had the most notable chance of the first half, but his tight-angle shot was not dangerous enough to beat Mexico goalkeeper Ochoa.

Neymar shines to help Brazil advance. Photo:AP.

Entering the second half, Brazil took the lead early.open the score 1-0In the 51st minute, the samba team's attack was finished precisely by Neymar. After Willian's cross, the PSG striker easily finished close to the goal.

In the 61st minute, Mexico responded with Carlos Vela's left-footed shot from outside the penalty area but it could not get past goalkeeper Alisson. After falling behind, the South American representative increased the pace of the match and organized an attack with their best players to quickly score an equalizer.

However, Mexico lacked sharpness in their attacks, relying mainly on the brilliance of Lozano, making their attacks monotonous and easy to predict. Pushing the team up high, the Central American representative left many gaps in their own half and Neymar took advantage of it in the 89th minute to dribble at high speed, tearing apart the opponent's defense, creating conditions for Firmino.set the score 2-0.

Line-up

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.