Brazil  2  (  Neymar , Ferminho )  : Mexico  0

Amidst favorites falling all around Five Star Brazil got past determined  Mexico 2-0.  Brazil would play find winner of the Belgium Japan match today later on its way in HEXA mission. Mexico saw their fifth game curse continue.

After a hotly contested first half Neymar opened the account for Brazil with a close range tap in at 50th minute of the match ( 1-0) . Ferminho coming as  altae minute substitute for Willan completed the tallyof a Neymar placement that bounced of the tip of the hands of Mexican keeper (2-0) . Mexico had another tearful exit its 7th successive defeats in similar stage of world cup.  It was Mexico that virtually accounted significantly for the first round exit of reigning Champions Germany shocking them 1-0 in the first match of Group F .

Mexico by no means was out played .They did allthe running and matched  Brazil in all departments of the game except scoring . Of course brilliant Mexican Goal Keeper also saved at least three goal potential attempts one each from Neymar ,Willan and Coutinho. Brazilian centredefence marshaled by redoubtable Diego Silva stood like rock of Gibralter cutting down many menacling Mexican moves .

Brazil won the eight of their nine matches in world cup against CONACAF nations losing only once to Costa Rica 5-2 in 2002.

Mexico, unfazed by their poor record in the last-16, began brightly and Brazil's full-backsFagner and Filipe Luis struggled with their pace in attack. Hirving Lozano went close inside the opening two minutes as his shot was blocked after Alisson failed to deal with a cross from the left. Focused and fearless, Mexico continued to trouble Brazil in the opening stages, with Fagner in particular struggling massively to cope with the threat down his side.

Most of the Mexican attacks were created through the left where Philippe Luis could not play the role of Marcello on the day..But as the match progressed Brazil recovered composure .Neymar finally stirred into life in attack with the Paris Saint-Germain forward forcing Guillermo Ochoa into a decent stop before Gabriel Jesus' shot was blocked. Jesus then had another opportunity as a nervous Mexico defence failed to clear, but the Manchester City striker found Ochoa equal to his shot. First half ended 0-0 .Agonies of favourite Brazil started growing.

The inquest for Brazilian goal continued from the start of the second half. Philippe Coutinho cutting inside the penalty area saw  his fierce strike  pushed away superbly by Ochoaa .Five minutes into the second half Brazil got the lead. , Willian's left-footed cross foundNeymar who made no mistake from close range. Paulinho almost doubled the lead before the hour but his shot inside the box was kept out by the excellent Ochoa,. He   also  tippedWillian's fizzing drive over the bar. Had there been any other goal keeper of lesser calbre Brazil could be 3-0 by that time.

Mexico appeared to have been running out of steam as the match drifted along . Brazil through smart moves every now and then kept the Mexicans busy in their own half.

Finally two minutes from time. Neymar, who had earlier writhed around in apparent agony after Layun appeared to touch his ankle, burst through and prodded past Ochoa for Firmino to finish the game and Mexico off (2-0) .

Few thought the trend of favourites falling down would continue in case of Brazil. Though Mexico were not disgraced at all but they did not look likewinning . Brazil was a bit scratchy in the early stage of the match. But whenever they attacked they looked like scoring. It was their third 2-0 win in successive matches .Tite thought of replacing Louis with Marcello at one stage but situation did not need him doing that .Ferminho coming at the last minute delivered for him.

Here is the difference of Brazil with other teams. Brazil can really score when they break into opponent defence through precise passing and witty scoring . Others hardly do that. Against a tight defence and very good goal keeper this strategy again worked for Brazil. We are not sure at this stage whom Brazil would find at Quarter . But with this win Brazils HEXA mission went one step closer . It wont be easy beating an improving Brazilain team looking hungry for the cup. Neymar answered many of his critics through his enormous contribution yet again in the match.

People talk about Neymar ,Countinho , Willan . But look at ThiagoSilva . In four matches of the world Cup Brazil almost kept their goal clean . Switzerland only scored from a penalty . If such trend continues Brazil creating numerous chances through creative moves will always score one or two goals against any opposition.

YELLOW ARMY LOOKING REALLY HUNGRY FOR THE CUP YET AGAIN.

BDST: 2345 HRS, JULY 2, 2018
SMS