Mexico saw their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign coming to an end with a 2-0 loss at the hands of Brazil in their Last 16 match at Samara Arena on Monday afternoon.

The highly anticipated match had an electrifying start as both sides looked for an early goal with both goalkeepers, Guillermo Ochoa and Alisson Becker, making good saves in the opening 10 minutes.

The Mexicans made more entries into Brazil’s penalty area in the opening 20 minutes, but the likes of Casemiro and Felipe Luis protected Alisson well as they blocked numerous shots.

Neymar Junior was be denied by Ochoa in the 25th minute after selling his marker a dummy in the box, but great goalkeeping by the Mexican shot-stopper kept the Brazilian attacker at bay.

The two nations failed to break the deadlock in the opening half.

However, the 2014 hosts nearly caught Mexico napping seconds into the second half when Philippe Countinho was denied by Ochoa from a point blank range.

In the 51st minute, Neymar sored after combining beautifully with Willian - latching onto a low left wing cross to finally beat the Mexican keeper.

Brazil got better of Mexico after the hour mark and Willian unleashed a powerful shot at goal, but Ochoa showed his class once again to tip it over the cross bar.

Coach Tite’s men launched a quick counter attack and substitute Roberto Firmino doubled their lead as he finished Neymar’s cross with two minutes remaining on the clock

In the end, the Selecao held onto their lead and will now meet the winner between Japan and Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Brazil: (0) 2 (Neymar 51’, Firminho 88’)
Mexico: (0)

Brazil: Alisson, Fagner, Filipe Luis, Silva, Miranda, Casemiro, Paulinho (Fernandinho 80’), Coutinho (Firmino 85’), Willian (Marquinhos 90’), Neymar, Jesus

Mexico: Ochoa, Guardado, Salcedo, Ayala, Álvarez (J. Dos Santos 55’), Gallardo, Marquez (Layun 46’), Herrera, Lozano, Vela, Hernandez (Raul 60’)

Mexico will eye Brazil’s scalp on Monday when they meet in a last 16 tie at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The match will get underway at 16:00 (CAT) at Samara Arena.

The Mexicans emerged from Group F with six points from two victories and one defeat, but managed to join Sweden in the knockout stages.

Having defeated defending champions Germany 1-0 and beat South Korea, they succumbed to a defeat against the Swedes.

Mexico will hope to reach the quarter-finals for the third time after doing so in 1986 as hosts, as well as in 1970 and 1986.

Çoach Juan Arbelaez will look to goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to deny Brazil whilst hoping to see the likes of Giovanni Dos Santos unlock the opposing defence.

Brazil will be against a familiar foe in the form of El Tri and coach Tite will want to inspire his troops to march all the way to the next stage.

The 2014 hosts started Group E with a 0-0 draw against Switzerland, beat Costa Rica 2-0 and secured a 2-0 victory over Serbia in their final match.

Coach Tite will look to players like Neymar Junior and Thiago Silva to reach the knockout stages.

In head-to-head meetings, Brazil have beaten the Mexican team 16 times compare to eight wins for the latter while four matches have ended in draws.