itsbeautifuloutside

Brazil v Mexico

IBO Reporter: spot51

These sides met in the 2012 Olympic football final at Wembley. Mexico won that 2-1. Thought it might be interesting to look at the sides that played that day. Those in bold are in the 2018 World Cup squads.

Brazil: Gabriel, Rafael (Lucas 85), Thiago Silva (c), Juan Jesus, Sandro (Alexandre Pato 71), Marcelo, Romulo, Leandro Damiao, Oscar, Neymar, Alex Sandro (Hulk 32). Subs: Bruno Uvini, Danilo, Ganso, Neto.

Mexico: Corona (c), I Jiminez (Vidrio 81), Salcido, Mier, Chavez, Herrera, Fabian, Peralta (R Jiminez 86), Aquino (Ponce 57), Reyes, Enriquez. Subs: Cortes, dos Santos, Araujo, Rodriguez.

The 4 Brazilians from 2012 are all first choice when everyone is fit. Although 9 Mexicans made the transition, only 2 of their gold medalists are likely to start on Monday.

Experience suggests that group matches are a poor indicator of who may go far in the competition. It is usually only in the knock-out games that finalists really show their hands. Mexico were great beating Germany but lousy losing to Sweden. If the good Mexico turn up against Brazil, it could be a classic. Brazil have eased themselves into the tournament and, apart from brief periods against Serbia, have rarely let the handbrake off. If they are to emulate the great Brazil sides of the past, this group need to step it up from now on. They appear to have considerable capacity to do this.

I'm hoping for a cracking match with both sides scoring. I'm predicting Brazil to go on to play in Kazan next Friday.

Match Report :

IBO Reporter: spot51

Carry on Samba-Ing!

Brazil 2-0 Mexico

It was a baking 38C just before kick-off in Samara, down near the border with Kazakstan. Brazil made the one change, Filipe Luis replacing Marcelo as he did early in the last match. Despite Danilo now being fit, Fagner remains at right back. Thiago Silva is today's captain. For Mexico, Ayala replaced the suspended Moreno but they also brought back living fossil legend, Rafa Marquez, for his 148th cap at his 5th World Cup. Indeed, Mexico are playing their 57th World Cup finals match – more than any country bar previous winners.

Referee, assistants and VAR official were all Italian. They are the most experienced users having played a full Serie A season using the technology. Both teams wore their traditional colours and the Mexican anthem was delayed while Brazil again sang the second verse of theirs.

Mexico enjoyed some early pressure, Lozano's shot blocked for a corner which Brazil cleared. Neymar got a shot on target on 5m drawing a save from Ochoa. Mexico were happy to give away free kicks and won a number of corners which Brazil cleared. They showed little urgency to get upfield, playing the ball about in their own half.

On 15m Lozano skinned Luis but drove his cross beyond Hernandez. Mexico were on top; even when Willian won a corner, Mexico broke away and Lozano's shot had to be blocked. Then Vela found Herrera who wanted too much time and saw his shot blocked.

On 25m Luis carried the ball forward, setting up Neymar whose shot was blocked by Ochoa. Mexico were briefly penned in before they could clear their lines. From the point it became a balanced, end to end game with both sides seeking to attack: Coutinho shot over, then Vela missed at the other end.

Neymar looked certain to score on 31m but a superb tackle by Alvarez thwarted him. Then Coutinho set up Jesus but Ochoa saved and his defence cleared the danger. Brazil were beginning to pen Mexico back now. Coutinho's shot deflected for a corner but Willian overhit the cross. Then, on 39m, Alvarez clattered Neymar and was booked. Neymar's free kick sailed wide. Then Ochoa did well to collect Willian's driven cross.

After another Brazil corner, Mexico broke away and Luis was booked for a late tackle on Vela. Guardado's free kick sailed straight on to Alisson. Mexico were enjoying good possession when the ref blew for Half Time; still 0-0. The studio pundits reckoned it was only a matter of time before Brazil went ahead. At the stadium, Layun replaced Marquez for the 2nd half. He went to right back.

Brazil started quicker this half, creating a chance for Jesus. Then Neymar won a corner off Layun. He played it short to Coutinho who cut in on his right foot – surprisingly Ochoa saved. Brazil won a string of corners but Mexico survived. On 50m they broke upfield and Guardado got a shot away – just wide.

Then Brazil cut Mexico apart. Neymar played a neat back-heel to play in Willian. As Willian drove left, Neymar bust a gut to get to the back post. He was perfectly positioned when Willian's driven cross arrived – a tap in. 1-0 Brazil.

Mexico went on the attack. Following a corner, the ball reached Layun; his shot was firlded by Alisson. Herrera was booked for a foul on Willian then Alvarez was replaced by the younger Dos Santos. Mexico failed to clear a free kick but Neymar fired over.

On 59m Fagner picked out Paulinho who drew a good save from Ochoa. The Casemiro saw yellow which means he'll miss the ¼ final. Jimenez replaced Hernandez and Mexico's next attack saw Vela's curling shot tipped over by Alisson.

Willian had a shot saved by Ochoa then Lozano hit a lovely cross into Brazil's box but no-one got on the end of it. This led to another period of end to end football. There was a brief interlude where Layun deliberately trod on Neymar who threw a wobbler. ITV's tame ref reckoned it was a red card offence but no action was taken.

On 77m Salcido was booked for a crude hack at Neymar. On 80m Fernandinho replaced Paulinho. Then, on 86m Firmino replaced Coutinho and 2 minutes later he put the game beyond Mexico.

Neymar was the creator this time. He drove into the box and delivered a low cross/shot. It took a nick off the keeper's boot and fell into the path of Firmino; another tap in and 2-0. Despite Mexican attacks, Brazil saw out the 6 added minutes and, for the 7th World Cup running, moved into the ¼ finals. Poor Mexico, missed out on the ¼ finals for the 7th time in a row.

Brazil have yet to blow anyone away. They have done just enough to get through each phase and look like there is more in the tank, if required.