Knockout stage is taking shape

Brazil relied on its star Neymar for two early goals to beat Cameroon 4-1 Monday and reach the World Cup’s knockout stage for a South American showdown against Chile, a 2-0 loser to the Netherlands.

Winning Group B with its third straight victory made sure the Dutch avoided the host so early in the tournament. Instead, the Netherlands will face Mexico, which beat Croatia 3-1 to advance with Brazil from Group A.

With free-flowing games and buckets of goals the rule in this tournament, it took until the final minutes of the Group A games for Brazil to make sure it advanced as group leader on goal difference over Mexico.

The Netherlands was the first perfect team to advance, finishing ahead of Chile in Group B.

Miguel Tovar /Getty Images Mexico defeated Croatia, and will face the undefeated Netherlands in the next stage.