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Brazil vs Mexico |
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World Cup Round of Sixteen |
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Samara Arena, Russia | ||
Brazil | Mexico | |
2 | SCORE | 0 |
6 | Shots | 1 |
6 | Corners | 4 |
2 | Yellow Cards | 3 |
0 | Red Cards | 0 |
For Mexico, it is another World Cup where the Round of 16 is their ceiling in terms of performance, despite throwing everything that had at the powerhouse of Brazil.
In a willing match that lacked real drama at times. Neymar and Firmino converted the two goals from very close range in two clinical moments of attack. There were few accurate shots from outside the box or decisive shots from close range and Brazil appeared to have control of the match for long periods.
Mexico started well and did appear to have a real chance of shocking the Brazilians yet when Brazil holds firm in defence their attack seems to grow of the back of their comfort and they were able to find two nice, neat avenues to goal.
It is another sad exit for Mexico and a real statement to the remainder of the teams that Brazil that they are well and truly in form and looking to win another World Cup.
Final score
Brazil 2
Mexico 0
Brazil and Mexico meet in the Round of 16 in the World Cup at the Samara Arena. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 12am (AEST).
It took the Brazilians a few matches to get rolling in Russia. Fortunately for them, they eventually did and the 2-0 wins against Costa Rica and Serbia saw them top their group when those six points were added to the point they earned against Switzerland in their opening match.
Mexico began like the proverbial house on fire and stunned defending champions Germany with a 1-0 victory.
South Korea were no match for them either yet a disappointing loss to Sweden in their final match doesn’t bode well for their confidence.
Now they head into a battle with one of the obvious favourites for the title.
The big questions for the Mexicans will be whether their run has come to an end and will they be able to overcome the quarter-final hoodoo that has seen them stumble at this stage in the last six World Cup tournaments?
Brazil will face their own questions, knowing that their form has been anything but polished, but the time is nigh to put the foot to the floor and make a real statement.
Brazil will attempt to send a message to the remaining nations that if they have aspirations on the title, Brazil will be standing in their way.
Prediction
With rumours of a high pressing game from the Mexicans, this could really open up into a quality match. Both teams are blessed with explosive speed and quality finishers so goals should be on the cards.
Brazil have more flair yet the Mexicans will look to ruffle their feathers with some high pressure, hopefully creating opportunistic chances up front.
Look for Brazil to lift in this one and claim a one goal win.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 12am (AEST).