Brazil moving on to face Belgium in quarter-finals
Mexico’s coach rips into Neymar after loss
Mexican coach Juan Carlos Osorio is concerned about the kids.
With a goal and an assist, Neymar propelled Brazil into the World Cup quarter-finals thanks to a 2-0 win over Mexico that left Osorio steaming.
Osorio didn’t specifically name the Brazilian star following the loss, but it became clear he didn’t approve of Neymar’s play-acting and opined that young soccer fans need to stop being subjected to his antics.
“I think we did control the game, but unfortunately — and I think it’s a shame for football — we wasted a lot of time because of one player,” Osorio said.
“I think this is a real shame for football. We lost our style in the second half due to the referee’s style. I think there was too much stoppage. My players got more and more tired of that situation.”
Neymar opened the scoring in the 51st minute and provided the last pass for Roberto Firmino’s clincher in the 88th minute. Firmino tapped in from close range minutes after coming on as a replacement for Coutinho.
Neymar also extended his platform to show the world he’s as good — or better — than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
“I don’t much care for criticism,” Neymar said, “not even for praise.”
Osorio was particularly upset by a lengthy break that stemmed from one of his defenders appearing to step on Neymar along the touch line.
I think this is a real shame for football . ... I think there was too much stoppage. My players got more and more tired of that situation.
“There was a situation where there was a four-minute stoppage. I think this is a very negative example for the world and world of football and all the children following this game,” Osorio said.
Brazil will face Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday thanks to a stellar comeback.
Nacer Chaldi, who came on as a substitute in the 65th, scored in the fourth minute of injury time to give Belgium a 3-2 come-frombehind victory over Japan.
Japan led 2-0 on early secondhalf goals by Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui.
Belgium’s comeback began when Jan Vertonghen scored with a looping header that appeared to be a cross, but dropped in under the crossbar in the 69th minute. Substitute Marouane Fellaini headed in another off Eden Hazard’s cross in the 74th minute.
On the winner, Belgium goalkeeper Thibault Courtois grabbed a corner kick and rolled the ball to Kevin De Bruyne, who dribbled to the top of the centre circle and passed to Thomas Meunier on the right. Meunier one-timed the ball across the area. Romelu Lukaku let it roll by for Chaldi to tap it in with his left foot from seven yards out.
The end-to-end attack took only 10 seconds.
Belgium is the first team to overturn a two-goal deficit in a World Cup knockout match since West Germany beat England in extra time at the 1970 tournament.