Mexico limped into the round of 16 after being thrashed by Sweden in the final Group F game. Brazil looked good in their Group E games, but you could see that they could have done a lot more. Brazilian coach Tite continues to trot out Gabriel Jesus in every game even though he is not having a great tournament. Why isn't Roberto Firmino or Douglas Costa getting a look in the starting lineup? The last time Brazil didn't make it into the quarterfinals was 1990.
Mexico got things started with a dangerous cross by Andrés Guardado at 2' that didn't come to anything. As you would expect, Brazil had some pretty play that twisted the Mexican defenders and midfielders in knots. Guillermo Ochoa was brilliant in goal and kept the game from getting out of hand. At thirty-two years old, I wonder if Ochoa has another World Cup in him. Neymar got Brazil on the board at 51'. Willian got a back-heel from Neymar, ran into the box, and put a ball across the mouth of the goal that went through to Neymar who slid in to score the goal. At 88', two minutes after coming in for Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino put the game away with Brazil's second goal. Neymar went on a long run and it looked like he was going to go one-on-one with Ochoa, but he slid the ball across to at the last second and all Firmino had to do was tap it in. Adiós Mexico.
Brazil are into the quarterfinals to meet the winner of Belgium v Japan. Mexico went as far as they realistically should have. If Germany had given a shit in their final group game against South Korea, Mexico wouldn't even have been playing today. Carlos Vela, Andrés Guardado, and Guillermo Ochoa were the best Mexico had to offer. Mexico was missing a creative midfielder and a tight defense. I wonder what sort a difference Jonathan González would have made on this team.
Mexico manager, Juan Carlos Osorio talked about his displeasure with Neymar after the game. He has good reason. Neymar needs to stop with the flopping and rolling around. Yes, he got a bit of a stomp, but he acted like someone had just cut off his foot. He's giving Pepe a run for his money as the best (worst) actor on the field.
