Mexico exit World Cup as Brazilians shine

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Monday Jul 02, 2018. 16:28

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’)