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).
DP. Schaefer
Guest
We agree on something ;) It's been a while since I reffed a game of soccer, but I'm sure there is something in the rules about not allowing a player into a game when they are at risk. Easy enough to say that with an injury so severe (by his reaction) that he couldn't come back on the field. Or watch the replay and red card him.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Brazil have defeated Mexico by two goals to nil to continue their march towards a sixth World Cup title. For Mexico, it is another World Cup where the Round of sixteen 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 terms from Brazil that they are well and truly in form and looking to win another World Cup. Brazil 2 Mexico 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full Time 96' - Brazil are through as the final siren sounds. Well they might be favourites now.
Brazil: 2 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
96' - Final minute of action here.
Brazil: 2 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
94' - Alisson cleans up another Mexican attack. he has played a solid game tonight.
Brazil: 2 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
93' - Sadly, the curse will continue, despite the efforts of Mexico who took it to Brazil today.
Brazil: 2 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Yellow Card 92' - Guardardo picks up a card for his protests.
Brazil: 2 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Goal 88' - Neymar breaks down the left and Firmino taps in from a yard. Wonderful build up. Mexico open at the back thanks to their attack in an effort to equalise.
Brazil: 2 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
87' - The corner is cleared and Brazil win a free after a foul by one of the Mexican chasers.
Brazil: 1 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
85' - Mexico pushing and committing more men forward. Brazil will look to counter. Firmino on and Coutinho off. Corner Mexico.
Brazil: 1 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
82' - Firmino about to enter the fray. Silva is back on his feet after his 'injury'.
Brazil: 1 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
82' - The wide ball from Layun is too long and Brazil have a goal kick.
Brazil: 1 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
80' - Mexico still throwing balls forward as Paulinho comes off and Fernandinho comes on to sure up the defensive structures of Brazil.
Brazil: 1 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
77' - Very little action in front of goal for either team as the Mexicans break up field once more. A dangerous move, yet the Brazilian defence is solid.
Brazil: 1 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Yellow Card 77' - Salcedo is booked as the Brazilians looked to break.
Brazil: 1 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
76' - Things opening up as Mexico start to throw caution to the wind.
Brazil: 1 Mexico: 0
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Silly stuff, not a good look at all.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
As though he was shot!
Stuart Thomas
Expert
74' - Strange incident and Neymar's reputation as an actor continues to grow.
Brazil: 1 Mexico: 0
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Lol Neymar for all his skill and talent his absolutely rediculous antics just frustrate me so much. He acts like a spoilt teenager.