5 time world champions Brazil continued their quest for a first world title since 2002 as they advanced to the quarter finals following a hard fought win over Mexico.
Neymar had his best game of the tournament so far as he scored one and assisted the other of Brazil’s two goals.
The 2018 World Cup has acquired a deserved reputation as the tournament of the underdog, where the top teams are not safe in any match against any opponents and there were legitimate fears Brazil could be the next victims.
Mexico had beaten defending champions Germany in their first group game but came into the match having never won against Brazil in competitive internationals.
The match kicked off at a fast tempo wit both sides creating good opportunities but neither being able to break the deadlock.
After a goalless first half, the second was even more frantic as Brazil took over the game and started threatening Mexico.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa stood defiant against wave after wave of attacks, but was finally beaten in the 51st minute as Willian run through the entire Mexican defence to set up Neymar for an easy tap in.
The PSG forward returned the favour with two minutes of time left, as he poked the ball past Ochoa and a raft of defenders for Firmino to poke home.
Brazil thus qualify for the final eight and face the winner of tonight’s tie between Belgium and Japan.