Brazil advanced to the 2018 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after two second half goals against Mexico. A match seen to be very close in the first half, became virtually one-sided as Mexico was slow and predictable.
First Half
With Brazil missing Marcelo for the match, there was some curiosity as to how the midfield would react early. On the other hand, Juan Carlos Osorio has Carlos Vela playing on the left and Hirving Lozano on the right, the opposite of what they usually play. Rafa Marquez was also starting, surprising many.
It wasn’t long before Neymar made his presence felt, finding a gap in between Mexican defenders and sending a shot on goal from outside of the box. Guillermo Ochoa was in position to make the save but the shot came in too hot for him to keep hold of the ball. Fortunately, no danger was followed.
Mexico played high to get things going, pushing Brazil’s defense back and forcing them to cover an offense attempting to attack from the left side through Vela.
Neymar was seen again in the 25th minute, putting on a shot from a difficult angle but forced Ochoa to make yet another save.
In the 33rd minute Gabriel Jesus found a shot from close range as the Mexican defense opened an alley but Ochoa was there for the stop.
Although Brazil created the most danger, Mexico did well to keep up and extend possessions on the offensive end. The issue became their inability to take shots. In the first half alone, Mexico took five shots but none of them on goal. However, Brazil put together 11 shots and three of them were on goal. With similar possession, the Brazilian side was able to open the defense and find the shots, while Mexico took too much time attempting to find the perfect shot. It also can’t go without saying Brazil’s defense did a good job in blocking any attempts.
Second Half
The latter half of the match saw Brazil take full control.
The shots began flying early and often for Brazil, with the first coming from a right footed shot by Coutinho from close range in the 48th minute.
It was just three minutes later when a spectacular back-heel pass by Neymar set up a run into the right side of the box by Willian, who then sent it in front of goal to give Neymar the final touch and the first goal of the match.
Neymar with the finish to put #BRA ahead.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/Dgx1oFqiYQ
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 2, 2018
The only shot on goal for Mexico came from Vela in the 61st minute, who put a left footed curler from outside of the box on target. Alisson was able to put a hand on it and put the ball over.
Mexico began to maintain possession but just couldn’t muster up anything of note. As the saying goes,
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
The lackluster approach from El Tri was predictable and slow, the opposite of what their counterparts were achieving. Their ineptitude in the final third would become their downfall.
An errant pass would spell the end of the match, as Neymar was able to dribble down the left side of goal and find Firmino on the opposite end to make it 2-0 in the 88th minute.
Firmino with the finishing touch to make it 2-0 for #BRA.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/wfGH49rgpO
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) July 2, 2018
Mexico’s curse continues, as they fail to make it out of the round-of-16 for the seventh straight World Cup. On the other hand, Brazil has made it to the quarterfinals for the seventh straight time. They will wait for the winner of Belgium and Japan to determine their quarterfinal opponent.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.