Odds favour Brazil
BRAZIL have emerged from an unpredictable batch of quarter- finals as the resounding 2018 World Cup favourites after a Neymar- inspired win over ferocious Mexico.
With four- time champions Germany, two- time winners Argentina and 2010 kings Spain already crashing out, the path has opened up for Selecao to extend their record by winning a sixth World Cup.
The polarising figure of Neymar scored and assisted as Brazil lifted another gear with the Russia 2018 campaign beginning to take on an eerie resemblance to Japan/ Korea 2002.
Brazil also won their second- round clash 16 years ago 2- 0 – with Rivaldo and Ronaldo scoring against Belgium, who they’ll meet in Saturday’s quarter- final in Kazan.
With Tite seamlessly adopting the role of noted man- manager Luis Felipe Scolari aka “Big Phil”, Neymar is edging towards filling the big boots of 2002 golden boot winner Ronaldo.
Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino scored the sealer, after ghosting in to finish after Neymar put on the afterburners and almost caught Guillermo Ochoa off- guard with a Romario-esque toe- poke.
Neymar, 26, has got many offside with his theatrical dives, although Mexico defender Miguel Layun could have been sent off for a stamp.
Brazil’s supporting cast left no doubt as to their views on the megastar, mobbing him after both goals.
Neymar dodged the waiting press pack but was forced to answer questions – despite the attempts of fatherly figure Tite to intervene – after receiving the official man of the match award, where he was quizzed about his histrionics.
“Look, I think it’s more an attempt to undermine me than anything else,” Neymar said.
“I don’t care much for criticism, or praise, because it can influence your attitude. In the last two matches I didn’t talk to the press because I didn’t want to. I just have to play, help my teammates, help my team.”
Calls are growing for the inclusion of Firmino, who netted just two minutes after coming on, after four impressive substitute appearances.
The fine margins of World Cup soccer were on show with the ball whisking centimetres past the boot of goal- less Gabriel Jesus before Neymar finished.