Brazil ends Mexico’s World Cup as El Tri once again crash out in Round of 16

Brazil claimed a 2-0 victory over Mexico as the Verde-Amarela ended Mexico’s dream of reaching their first Quarterfinals stage since 1986.

Mexico went into the match as huge underdogs and having never been able to beat Brazil in a World Cup. But it was the men in green who pushed the agenda early, with Hirving Lozano testing Brazil early.

Brazil’s start was lukewarm at best, but they slowly started getting back into the game through Neymar and Philippe Coutinho. Neymar first forced Guillermo Ochoa to a spectacular save before Coutinho twice came within inches of grabbing the breakthrough.

Despite Brazil’s best spell, Carlos Vela was the Mexican closest to scoring after his left footed shot went just wide of the Brazilian goal.

At the restart, the first few minutes of the second half were almost exclusively in the Mexican half, and Brazil eventually found the back of the net through Neymar. The Verde-Amarela put together their best play of the game and Neymar was there to swept in a Willian pass.

Brazil should have extended their lead thereafter, but just like four years ago in Fortaleza, Guillermo Ochoa was one of the best players on the pitch, making save after save for Juan Carlos Osorio’s men.

The closest Mexico came to an equalizer was in the 61st minute after Carlos Vela once again tried his luck from range.

Brazil eventually sealed their win in the 88th minute when Neymar took advantage of some lazy defending from Hugo Ayala to assist Roberto Firmino for the 2-0.

The defeat marked Mexico’s seventh straight exit in the Round of 16 of a World Cup and another bitter end to El Tri’s tournament.