Brazil have defeated Mexico 2-0 in Samara in the round of 16 to take them into a quarter-final against either Belgium or Japan.
Here are our player ratings for the Selecao:
Allison – 6: Well protected by his back four, he only had one save to make and distributed the ball well.
Fagner – 6: Limited attacking impact and struggled early against the pace of Vela, but more solid later on.
Thiago Silva – 7: Mature and commanding in the centre of defence, showing his experience by organising Brazil’s back line with authority.
Miranda – 7: Regularly beaten in the early exchanges but soon gathered his composure as Mexico lost their spark.
Filipe Luis – 7: Very solid job at left-back, far less rampaging than usual starter Marcelo but solid and steady.
Paulinho – 6: Solid if unflashy job between the penalty areas, making some good defensive interventions and trying to support the attack.
Casemiro – 7: Showed his savvy with some important blocks and interceptions in front of the back four. Booked and will miss the quarter-final.
Philippe Coutinho – 7: Very quiet early on but an increasing influence as Brazil took charge, firing in several efforts. Replaced near the end.
Willian – 7: Limited initial impact but produced a nice assist for the opener and was more and more dangerous as space opened up.
Gabriel Jesus – 6: Linked play cleverly but faded in and out of the game. Place may be under jeopardy after Firmino’s goal.
Neymar – 8: Always dangerous, twice coming close before superbly fashioning and finishing the opener, and then creating the second.
Subs:
Fernandinho – 7: Replaced Paulinho for the final stages to strengthen the midfield and started the move for the second goal.
Roberto Firmino – 7: Came on for Coutinho at the end and netted the second to secure the win from two yards.
Marquinhos -NA: Came on in stoppage time as a time-wasting sub.
