Brazil defeated Mexico 2-0 on Monday afternoon to book a quarter-final spot at World Cup 2018. Second half goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino were enough to see the South American team make it to their seventh straight World Cup quarter-finals.
The result also means that Mexico have now lost in the last 16 of the previous seven World Cups. El Tri were in with a chance of progressing until the late Firmino goal. However, Brazil seemed in control of the game, without reinforcing that control by adding to their goal tally.
Like most of their games at World Cup 2018, Tite’s side impressed in flashes against Mexico but did not produce their best football for any concerted period of the game.
However, there was always the possibility of one of the Selecao’s quality players producing something, and that is how it turned out. Neymar scored the opener from close-range, but it was Willian’s excellent run and cross that unlocked the Mexico defence.
Neymar contributed heavily to Firmino’s goal too, as the Liverpool striker scored from a rebound after Neymar had seen his shot saved by Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. The PSG star was then involved in a controversial incident when a Mexican player stood on his foot, and he rolled around in agony.
Theatrics apart, Brazil looks to have all the attributes to go a long way at Russia 2018. When most people think about Brazil, they think about the attacking players like Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, Willian and Gabriel Jesus.
However, the Selecao’s defence has now conceded just once in nine outings. It seems they are formidable in every area of the pitch.
Brazil now faces Belgium in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The South American giants could lift the trophy again in Russia without being at their best. However, it would be nice to see Brazil produce a complete 90-minute performance.