Brazil continues their dominance over Mexico as they knocked out Osario’s side from the 2018 World Cup. Brazil showed their class and defeated Mexico (2-0) in an exciting match at Samara Arena. With that Selecao’s booked their place in the last eight of the tournament.
It was a battle between this two side, which Brazil emerged on top because of tactical supremacy. Mexico started with a positive intent but gradually Brazil brought themselves back into the game. There were three key reasons behind this stunning victory of Brazil. Let's analyze those reasons one by one.
Solid Defence
Mexico started on a positive note and created lots of pressure on Brazilian defence. But they failed to convert that into a goal. The likes of Thiago Silva, Miranda, Casemiro stood firm and absorbed all the pressure. The understanding between Miranda and Thiago Silva has been fantastic in this tournament. That is the main reason why Brazil have conceded only one goal so far. The all-round ability of Casemiro also provided the much-needed support in the back line of Brazil. In absence of regular left-back Marcelo, Filipe Luis took the responsibility and kept the left flank secured. Alisson also played his part as a last line of defence and produced a couple of decent saves in the match.
Superlative Willian
Willian brought his A game against Mexico. He was the best player on the pith. On a day where Coutinho looked considerably subdued, Willian took the responsibility of demolishing the Mexican defence. Especially in the second half of the match, Willian found his mojo. In the 51st minute of the game, Willian waved his magic as he burst through the left flank and provided a brilliant low cross. Neymar timed his run perfectly and put the ball back of the net. Few minutes after that Willian took a thunderous shot from a long range but Ochoa made a brilliant save to deny him. The Mexican goal-keeper had a fantastic game. The scoreline would have been much worse if Ochoa wasn't there under the bar.
Fantastic Neymar
Neymar had a fantastic game up front. He controlled the game and created lots of opportunities for the likes of Frimino and Jesus. His quality of long-range passes from any position of the field came in handy on Monday. He scored a fantastic opportunist goal in the second half that helped Brazil to take the lead. Later on, Brazil extended their lead, Neymar provided a defence-splitting pass from outside of his boot that fell kindly on the path of Frimino who made no mistake and sealed the tie in favour of Brazil. Neymar also created the most chances (16) by any player so far in the Cup. Brazil will play against Belgium in the Quarter-Final.
