Brazil, Belgium advance to reach quarter-finals

Updated: 2018-07-03 07:24

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Brazil vs Mexico 2 : 0

Brazil's Neymar, top, celebrates with team mate Paulinho after scoring his side's opening goal during the round of 16 match between Brazil and Mexico at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Samara Arena, in Samara, Russia, on July 2. (Photo/IC)

SAMARA, Russia - Neymar and Firmino were on target as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in their World Cup last 16 clash on Monday to earn a quarter-final against either Belgium or Japan.

Neymar of Brazil scores the 1-0 goal during the FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between Brazil and Mexico. (Photo/IC)

After an open but goalless first half in hot conditions, tournament favourites Brazil broke through in the 51st minute when a Neymar backheel sent Willian clear on the left and the star striker was on hand to slide in to reach his team mate's low return cross.

Roberto Firmino of Brazil celebrates scoring a goal to make it 2-0 with his team-mates and manager Tite. (Photo/IC)

Impressive goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa kept Mexico in touch with good saves from Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Paulinho but though the Central Americans worked tirelessly, and showed a real willingness to attack, they struggled to create any clear chances as their second-round curse struck again.

Neymar then set up Firmino for the second goal two minutes from time as Mexico exited in the last 16 for the seventh successive World Cup.

Reuters

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