Neymar (R) of Brazil vies with Edson Alvarez (C) of Mexico during the 2018 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between Brazil and Mexico in Samara, Russia, July 2, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
SAMARA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Neymar scored the opening goal and helped set up Firmino for a second but winger Willian was the standout performer as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in the Samara Arena on Monday to book their place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
It was Willian's pass which set up Neymar for the opening goal and his running was a key factor in giving his side the spark of creativity that was lacking from midfield duo of Casemiro and Paulinho.
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Ozorio looked to stiffen midfield with the inclusion of the veteran Rafael Marquez, while Hugo Ayala replaced Miguel Layun.
Brazil meanwhile had Felipe Luis in for the injured Marcelo at left back, but Tite kept faith in Willian, Gabriel Jesus and Neymar in attack with Roberto Firmino again on the bench.
Things started brightly with Hirving Lozano having a shot blocked and Guillermo Ochoa parrying Neymar's long-range effort.
Lozano especially was looking sharp and just missed Javier Hernandez with his pass after skimming past Felipe Luis on the quarter hour.
Hector Herrera was guilty of wanting another touch rather than shooting for Mexico, while Brazil were struggling to connect with their front four until Neymar drew a smart save from Ochoa after cutting into the box and Jesus fired wide after the Mexican keeper failed to punch convincingly clear.
Jesus was next to see a shot saved as Brazil came back into the game and Coutinho had an effort deflected wide as Mexico began to flag.
Layun replaced Marquez at half time for Mexico, but Brazil took the lead in the 51st minute, moments after Ochoa had brilliantly denied Coutinho.
Willian found space on the left of the area and his low cross left Neymar with a tap in for his 2nd goal of the tournament.
Paulinho drew another good save from Ochoa before Casemiro earned a booking that means he's suspended for the quarterfinals and Willian who was turning into Brazil's key player, again stung the Mexican keeper's hands.
There was still time for Neymar to produce some more outrageous play acting on the touchline, before Ochoa deflected his low shot into Firmino's path two minutes from time to assure the win.??
