Match Review (RO16): Brazil v. Mexico

Brazil v Mexico
Score: 2-0
Goals: Neymar 51', Firmino 88'
Possession: 46-54
Shots: 21-13
Man of the match: Willian (1A)

In an exciting match in Samara, Brazil comfortable ease by Mexico who still have failed to advance past the round of 16 since 1986. The start of the first half was very even. Mexico seemed to show Brazil no fear just as they did with Germany in the groups. The Mexicans created two really good chances to start the match and looked very positive. The first came just two minutes in when Andres Guardado got down the byline and sent in a dangerous cross. Goalkeeper Allison failed to clear it as far as Hirving Lozano who looked destined to score. Unfortunately, his shot was just blocked and went out for a corner.  Mexico continued to put on the pressure throughout the start of the first half. They created another chance this time from a corner. Carlos Vela stood over it and whipped in a lovely ball which was cushioned down to all-time leading goalscorer Javier Hernandez. Hernandez looked like he would get a chance before Allison got to it but they met at the same time, and Allison prevented the goal. This impressive Mexican start seemed to wake up the Brazilians at about the 25' minute. When PSG star Neymar got on the ball on the left wing. He took on Alvarez and absolutely skinned the inexperienced defender. He was through on the left and had a shot, but Ochoa seemed to turn it back to 2014 and made the save. Brazil continued their awakening as chances started to flow. Their final chance of the half came to maligned striker Gabriel Jesus. Jesus, who is still looking for his first goal at the tournament skipped past two defenders and had a clear shot on net. But big man Ochoa was there again and was equal to the effort. The second half started up, and Brazil continued their onslaught towards the Mexican goal as the Mexican attack seemed to have lost all their fuel.. Phil Coutinho had the first chance of the second half as he pulled a vintage Coutinho and cut in on his right boot. His shot though which was towards the far post was well saved again by Ochoa. Unfortunately for Ochoa and Mexico Brazil found their breakthrough just three minutes later. Willian, who was tremendous for Brazil through the match picked the ball up on the right and seemed to glide past every Mexican defender and found himself all the way over at the left side of the box. He picked his head up and found two runners in the box and sent a low ball in. The ball rolled past Ochoa's fingertips and right towards the feet of Neymar who got the opener. After that Brazil seemed to not look back. Dominating the majority of the play and not letting Mexico get an inch. Then in the 86' minute, Tite put on Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino who made an instant impact and sealed the match for the Brazilians. Neymar got played the ball on the left wing and was clean through 1v1. He picked up his head and unselfishly played it across to Firmino for the easy tap-in which sealed both teams fate. Brazil will face Belgium on Friday in Kazan.