Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in the round of 16.
ADVERTISEMENTBrazil is through to their seventh consecutive World Cup Quarter Final after a 2-0 victory over Mexico.
Second half goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino gave Brazil its victory. In the first half Mexico started the game well but couldn't create any real chances, Brazil grew into the game, however, and had the best chances of the first half as they forced a couple of saves from Guillermo Ochoa.
In the second half, Brazil controlled the game for long periods and their opening goal came after Willian's low ball across the goal was met by Neymar who tapped home. The second goal came after Neymar burst in behind and poked the ball at the goal, Ochoa got a touch on it but Roberto Firmino was at the back post to tap home.
Brazil is now going through to the quarterfinals to face either Belgium or Japan, while Mexico leaves the tournament at the Round of 16 stage for the seventh consecutive time.
Five things we learned
Neymar's theatrics
Brazil may be through to the quarterfinals after defeating Mexico but the biggest talking point from the game was definitely Neymar's reaction to a "stamp" from Miguel Layun. Layun went over to pick up the ball near Neymar and allegedly stood on his ankle, but it was the reaction of Neymar that caught the eye. It was embarrassing to see him rolling over multiple times. Not to mention the Mexico bench's outrage. Neymar may have been hurt, but his reaction was not warranted and looked even worse after he received a blast of spray and was up running around seconds later.
Sevens all round
The win for Brazil means that they are now through to the quarterfinals for the seventh consecutive World Cup, but for Mexico this loss also means that they have now been eliminated seven consecutive times in the Round of 16.
Jesus or Firmino?
During the game against Mexico, Gabriel Jesus was on the periphery. He struggled to make any sort of impact and wasn't really noticeable. Then, Roberto Firmino, his main rival for the striker position came onto the field and scored a goal within two minutes. It may have been a tap-in but it has certainly made people begin to question whether Firmino and not Jesus should be starting for Brazil. Moving forwards with Brazil facing either Belgium or Japan, the striker position will be crucial and Brazil has to decide which of the two is the better option.
Disappointing Mexico
In the group stages, Mexico defeated the defending world champions Germany and their performances up to now had people wondering whether they could go on and win the tournament itself. After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Sweden, they were left with a tough draw against Brazil but there were those who thought they could really cause the Brazilians some problems. The game started positively for Mexico as they approached it with similar tactics to the game against Germany, which appeared to be working. But they failed to capitalise on the positive start and couldn't create any chances. Brazil went on to dominate the game to an extent and scored the goals that made them win. So Mexico went out more with a whimper than a bang and the tournament is now a 'what could have been' moment for Mexico.
Belgium v Brazil?
All eyes now move to the second game of the day as Japan face Belgium. Obviously, anything can happen and Japan may win the match, but should Belgium win — as many expect — then a game against Brazil awaits them. For fans, the possibility of a Brazil v Belgium with all of their attacking prowess is a mouthwatering prospect.