Brazil 2 (Paulinho, Thiago Silva): Serbia 0 

The HEXA mission of all time favorites Brazil gathered momentum as they advanced to round of 16with a very impressive 2-0 win against strong Serbia. 

Brazil would play Mexico in the second round. You can not compare the state of other pre tournament favorites Spain, Argentina or Germany with Brazil. Germany crushed out, Spain and Argentina advanced only just. But Brazil displaying “Jogo Bonita” stormed into group of 16 carrying their form in the qualifying round and pre tournament warm up matches. 

Some teams start with a bang and gradually fade out but Great teams start slowly and grow in stature steadily. The difference between Brazil and others is that it gathers momentum as they move from match to match. This time also is no different till now. Against strong Switzerland defence Brazil could not find out space and had to contend with a point. They started tweeting in their second match against Costa Rica. 

Excepting a brief spell in the second half they absolutely dominated Serbia in the third match. Many chances came their way to extend the lead. Neymar himself got at least three golden opportunities. But every time Serbian Goal Keeper came in the way. The sweet short passing, organized build up from their own deep defense tossed the admirers of yellow and blue admirers to the days of Pele, Vava, Didi Tosatao, Garincha. This team has started showing the glimpse. They have already announced their intention that they are well in business. Unluckily Marcello went out injured early on .Or the attacks down the left would carry more punch.

The Match:

When the last round matches started three teams Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia were locked in a situation that any two of them could advance. Serbia and Switzerland required win. A point was enough for Brazil. But Brazil looked adventurous in the first half. Many fast probing attacks were flowing through both wings and down the middle. Neymar and Coutninho were constantly sending defense splitting passes. But somehow Brazilians were failing to strike home till Paulinho took them ahead from a Coutinho pass (1-0).

Serbia was also making counter attacks and after half time they had a brilliant spell when they had shaken Brazilian deep defense on some occasions. But after absorbing this spell Brazil carried out series of goal potential attacks. They were trading short passes and switching the ball from end to end. It was a mix of oriental and occidental football. Yellow bees were swarming all over. It appeared like Yellow Tulip were in full bloom. 

From a Neymar corner, Thiago Silva headed home at near post deep into the second half making it 2-0. Many chances came their way in between and afterwards till the end. Neymar was creating many opportunities. He himself wasted at this three.  But when match ended it was 2-0 a comfortable win by the Selecaos. 

Brazil is looking to have stepped up in the second gear. In their first knock out against Mexico they have to keep up their momentum. Truly speaking they have started giving confidence to their billion fan followers all over the world. This is not a one or two men team. The entire team plays for each other. Neymar has started showing his magical touch, Willan, Coutinho, Paulinho, all looking good.  HEXA Mission is gathering momentum. Dreams are spreading wings.

BDST: 0955 HRS, JUN 28, 2018
SI