Mexico vs Brazil Review

Mexico 0-2 Brazil

Neymar scored one goal and played a key role in the second as Brazil knocked out Mexico in Samara to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for a seventh consecutive time.

Brazil didn't have it all their own way, especially in an opening 20 minute period which was dominated by Mexico, but the five-time winners grew into what became a controlled performance.

The result means that Mexico are once again eliminated at the last-16 stage - as they have been at every World Cup since 1994, and didn't reach their target of the magical 5th game.  They did however, have plenty of chances early on, and it was only after a largely frustrating first half for Brazil that Neymar started the move to put his side ahead. 

His run across goal and clever backheel won Willian space, and the Chelsea midfielder only needed two touches to drive into box and lay the ball across for the world's most expensive player to slide home.

That was Brazil's 227th goal at the World Cup, meaning that they overtake Germany as the tournaments all-time top scorers.

Moments earlier though, Mexico's Jesus Gallardo wasted a brilliant chance when he shot wildly over the crossbar instead of playing in Hirving Lozano.

In the closing stages of the match's Mexico rallied once more, but Brazil defended heroically before doubling their lead on the counter, and scored the second goal of the game through a Roberto Firmino tap-in after Neymar's effort was diverted by the toe of Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Brazil will next face Belgium in their last-eight tie in Kazan on Friday.

They will however, be without Real Madrid central midfielder Casemiro, who will be suspended after being shown his second yellow card of the tournament.