Neymar and Brazil turn on the style

Brazil booked a World Cup quarter-final place as Neymar turned on the style and Mexico waved goodbye to Russia.

The boiling heat of Samara – it was around 35 degrees Celsius at kick-off – was no place for the faint-hearted and Mexico hinted at an upset for much of an even first half.

But Neymar claimed his 57th international goal six minutes in to the second period, before setting up substitute Roberto Firmino late on to complete Brazil’s 2-0 win.

The opener was a well-crafted goal startedbythelatestwearerofthefamous number 10 Brazil shirt.

Willian accepted his cute back-heel to sprint around Hugo Ayala and Neymar, continuing his run into the penalty area, slid home the Chelsea man’s cross from a few feet out.

A last-eight place was confirmed two minutes from time when Neymar broke down the left and set up Firmino, who had only been on the pitch a few moments, to apply a simple finish.

The only downside for Brazil was a yellow card for Casemiro, the influential midfielder’s second of the tournament and one which will rule him out of the quarter-final.

Mexico were without the suspended HectorMorenoandtheirresponsewasto draft in Rafel Marquez, the 39-year-old defender becoming the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup knockout matchsinceEngland’sStanleyMatthews in 1954.

Mexico started impressively and Lozano almost profited when Alisson failed to collect a second-minute cross, but Miranda sensed the danger well to block.

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 AlvareztoforceasmartsavefromOchoa.

The pressure grew as Philippe Coutinhodrove wide and Ochoa kept out Gabriel Jesus’ low effort.

Mexico withdrew Marquez at the interval – thus ending one of the longest WorldCupcareers– beforeBrazilstruck.

Willian accepted Neymar’s back-heel to round Ayala and his inviting cross was tapped home by Neymar for his second goal of the tournament.

The brilliance of Ochoa stopped Paulinho and Willian extending Brazil’s lead but it did not matter as Firmino finished off Mexican hopes.

Neymar celebrates scoring the first goal.