Neymar powers Brazil into last 8
Print Edition
Brazil roared into the World Cup quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory over Mexico in Samara yesterday as Neymar shone with a goal and an assist that dumped the central Americans out at the last-16 stage for the seventh straight occasion.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward slid home in the second half and then teed up Roberto Firmino late on as the five-time champion beat an otherwise stubborn Mexico, whose World Cup in Russia began with such promise with a victory over champion Germany, but ended in familiar fashion in the first knockout round.
It was the seventh World Cup running that Brazil has reached the last eight, where it will now face Belgium or Japan, while Mexico has not made it to that stage since it hosted the tournament in 1986.
Mexico, which enjoyed an enviable recent record against Brazil having won seven of their previous 15 matches, was a threat on the counter in the first half but then faded without ever really being put to the sword.
A glaring spotlight had been on Neymar after his opening three performances saw him miss a litany of chances, frequently squander possession and spend far too long on the turf.
Yet he answered a number of questions with a much more positive display at the Samara Arena and a decisive finish early in the second half from a move that he had started himself, although his propensity for histrionics were again in evidence.
Minutes after the restart Brazil took the lead in exquisite fashion with Neymar starting and ending the move.
He darted across the edge of the area before a perfect backheel released Willian, whose low cross fizzed into the danger area where Neymar slid in to turn the ball home.
It was a choking blow for Mexico, which had been the better side for the opening half an hour, pegging Brazil back and creating several half chances.
Brazil had to wait until the 88th minute to put the match to bed as Neymar was the architect, crossing for substitute Firmino to tap the ball home.
It will have to do without defensive midfielder Casemiro in the quarters, however, after he picked up his second booking.
Meanwhile, James Rodriguez “doesn’t have a serious injury,” and that is good news for Colombia.
The attacking midfielder, who was substituted with a calf muscle problem during last week’s 1-0 victory over Senegal, has undergone medical scans and could play today against England in their last-16 clash.
“After his MRI we knew that he doesn’t have a serious injury,” Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said yesterday. “So we still have 1-1/2 days to see how he feels.”
If Rodriguez can’t play, forward Luis Muriel will step in again. “He’s able to change the pace. He’s technically gifted. He’s really fast and can play well with teammates,” Pekerman said of the Sevilla forward. “He brings many skills to the pitch so of course we take him into account and we think he will be able to coordinate well if he plays.”
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