NEY ON A ROLL FE
Samba ace trhives on the drama
NEYMAR showed flashes of skill and plenty of embarrassing amateur dramatics as Brazil booked their place in the quarter-finals.
The world’s most expensive player scored and provided an assist as the tournament favourites took care of Mexico.
But while Neymar may still be a little off the pace following three months out with a foot injury, his attacking skills are already fully back up to speed.
He broke the deadlock early in the second half, tapping in after a slick one-two with Willian carved the Mexico defence open.
Victory was confirmed when Paris St-Germain superstar Neymar broke down the left and set up substitute Roberto Firmino to apply the finish at the Samara Arena.
But it was Neymar’s rolling around which really caught the eye and prompted outrage from pundits and fans alike, not to mention Mexico boss Juan Carlos Osorio.
The most notable occasion came in the 72nd minute as Neymar sat on the turf near the touchline.
Mexico defender Miguel Layun stood on his ankle – an offence which probably warranted a red card.
But Neymar’s over-the-top reaction also warranted all the criticism that came his way.
The opening goal aside, it was the most flamboyant thing the samba stars produced, their victory based more on control and discipline than the flair they were so famous for.
The driving force was Chelsea star Willian, who, if he is on his way out of Stamford Bridge, is doing a good job of ramping up his transfer fee.
And after getting the decisive goal, Liverpool’s Firmino is making a claim for a starting place ahead of Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus.
The only downside for Brazil was a yellow card for midfielder Casemiro, which will rule him out of the quarterfinals.
As for Mexico, a
World Cup began with such promise with a victory over champions Germany ended in familiar fashion.
While Brazil have reached the last eight for the seventh World Cup running, Mexico have now not made it to that stage since they hosted the tournament in 1986.
They started impressively, with Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano probing down the flanks.
Filipe Luis, in particular, looked ill at ease against Lozano’s direct approach as Brazil felt the absence of the injured Marcelo.
Lozano almost profited when goalkeeper Alisson failed to collect
a second-minute cross, but Miranda sensed the danger.
Javier Hernandez was then unable to get on the end of Lozano’s cross when unmarked at the far post.
But Brazil finally hit their stride as Neymar tricked his way past Edison Alvarez to force a smart save from Guillermo Ochoa.
The pressure grew as Philippe Coutinho fired wide and Ochoa kept out Jesus’ low effort.
Coutinho forced another sprawling save from Ochoa before Brazil finally struck six minutes into the second half. Willian collected Neymar’s back-heel to round Hugo Ayala.
His cross could have been tapped home by one of three yellow shirts, but it was Neymar who got the decisive touch for his second goal of the tournament.
Ochoa then stopped Paulinho and Willian nearly extended the lead further before Firmino finished off Mexico’s hopes with two minutes left.