Neymar Jr. and Roberto Firmino scored a goal each as Brazil edged past Mexico with a 2-0 victory to seal progress to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Neymar converted Willian’s low drive across the face of the goal to put Brazil ahead in the early minutes of the second half and Roberto converted from close range after Neymar’s bustling run created an opening.
The match was expected to be a thriller with Brazil on track to win a record 6th World Cup while El Tri showing real promise on their march to a 7th consecutive place in the last 16.
Mexico, without Hector Moreno, did well to contain the threat of Neymar in the first 20 minutes but then Brazil upped the ante with Coutinho and Neymar starting to find space.
El Tri lost the vigour in the final minutes of the first half with Tite’s men taking control of the game.
Mexico’s poor performance against Sweden almost cost them a place in the round-of-16, had Germany beaten South Korea, El Tri would have been eliminated.
Tite’s men were impressive against Serbia to secure top spot in Group E after their struggle in drawing 1-1 with Switzerland.
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