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The World Cup clash between Brazil and Mexico was an enthralling match that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Mexico defended quite well in the first half and were promising on the counter-attack. Brazil, on the other hand, gave a lacklustre performance in the first 45 but were strong defensively.
Brazil came out strong in the second half, though, with Willian leading their attack with his terrific pace. His assist provided the opening for Neymar to tap-in and score the first goal of the match. The South Americans dominated the second-half due to Chelsea player and his pace, despite Mexico keeping better possession of the ball during the said time period.
Unfortunately for the underdogs, Firmino scored a late goal for Brazil as Neymar made a superb run at the Mexican defence and provided the perfect assist for the Liverpool forward.
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You can say that this quite an interesting World Cup for Mexico, a campaign with several ups and downs. Let us look the best and worst performances from their clash against the Brazilians.
#5 Best - Vela
Carlos Vela had a good game for Mexico against Brazil despite them bowing out of the tournament after the tie. He was fierce on the wing and took on Brazil's full-backs head on.
He was by far the best Mexican player on the field on the day.
His pace, agility, and awareness gave a tough first-half to the Brazilian defence. He wasn't as effective in the second half but continued to run at Brazil's defence with full determination and zeal to try and level the score for Mexico.
#4 Worst - Filipe Luis
Filipe Luis had a disappointing game for Brazil. Having started the Round of 16 in place of Marcelo, he was sloppy and slow in closing down the Mexican wingers. He gave the ball away easily and had only one good chance of crossing the ball in the first-half.
Not at all being an attacking threat for Brazil, he was less industrious going forward due to Mexico's counter-attacking threat. He earned himself a yellow card by tackling Vela quite late. Luis improved in the second and gave less amount of space and opportunity for Vela to take him on.
Brazil will be hoping that Marcelo will be fit for their match in the Quarter-finals at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
#3 Best - Willian
Willian was the most improved player on the pitch for Brazil in the second-half. Having given away possession cheaply in the first-half and not utilizing the available space on the wing, Willian sprang to life in the second half and threatened the Mexican defense with his terrific pace.
He provided the valuable assists to Neymar to open the scoring for Brazil against a stubborn Mexican defense. He had a stunning shot saved brilliantly by the Mexican goalkeeper. He got a well-deserved applause from the Brazilian fans when he was substituted in the second half.
Having found his form at the right moment, Brazil will expect Willian to fire for them in the Quarter-finals.
#2 Worst - Hector Herrera
Hector Herrera had quite a disappointing game for Mexico. He gave away possession too cheaply, was ineffective in dangerous areas in Brazil's half. Being superb in the group stage for Mexico, this performance was certainly not expected from him.
He also committed too many fouls in unnecessary circumstances and earned himself a yellow card. His performance frustrated the Mexican strikers and hence Didn't have a great game today.
Being one of the most senior players in the Mexican squad, Herrera will go back to the drawing room and deeply introspect about his today's performance.
#1 Best - Neymar
Neymar had a superb game today and was the hero for Brazil in today's game against Mexico in the Round of16. He was the only player of Brazil who looked quite threatening in the first-half.
Having scored a wonderful tap-in goal from Willian's brilliant cross, he also provided the assist for Firmino by superbly running at the Mexican defense and finished the game for Brazil to secure a place for them in the Quarter-finals.
With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo out of the World Cup, all eyes will now be on Neymar and hence it will be a good opportunity for him to enjoy the spotlight in the remaining matches.
