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Brazil advanced to the World Cup quarter finals after a Neymar-inspired victory over a plucky Mexican side. Mexico were the dominant team in the first half, with their winger Hirving Lozano one of the breakout talents of the tournament.
But it was always likely Brazil were to grow into the game, and they turned to their brightest star to do so. He got himself on the scoresheet in the second half following a one-two with Willian that oozed Brazilian flair, leaving himself with a tap in.
Show all 22 1 /22Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Alisson 7 Made a less than convincing start but improved towards the end of the first half and resolute in the second
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Fagner 7 Tried to get forward, but also looked vulnerable against the Mexican counter attack, and Carlos Vela down his side
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Thiago Silva 7 Kept Hernandez remarkably quiet, and had little to do directly, as most of Mexico’s danger came from the wide areas.
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Miranda 7 Good in the air and combined well with Silva to nullify Hernandez. Looked solid in defence normally a weaker element of the Brazilians
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Filipe Luis 6 Picked up a yellow card and struggled when left one-on-one with Lozano. Needed more support from midfield to help him, improved in the second half
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Casemiro 6 His holding position will have hoped to protect his defence from the Mexican counter attack but proved ineffective. Relied on the stars ahead of him
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Paulinho 7 Growing in importance since his move to Barcelona, Paulinho is one of the underrated players in this side – hard working but with flair to match
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Philippe Coutinho 7 Linked well with Neymar in particular but will be disappointed to fire off target when in his favoured position to the left of goal
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Willian 7 A quiet first half for a player that has showed some of what he is capable of in this World Cup but improved in the second half with his energy and skill on the break
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Neymar 8 Had a mixed game with flashes of brilliance combined with over playing and some selfish play. But he’ll be remembered for scoring one and making the second. Influential.
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Gabriel Jesus 7 Had a couple of chances with long balls played through to him, one in particular from Alisson that utilised his pace against the Mexican defence
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Guillermo Ochoa 7 Forced into a couple of routine saves in the first half but nothing spectacular, could do little for either goal from very close range
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Edson Alvarez 6 Picked up a yellow card in the first half for a poor, late challenge on Neymar and was withdrawn in the second half
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Hugo Ayala 6 One of many to tire in the second half, after an impressive first, but did stick to his task, and a couple of times dispossessed Coutinho in dangerous positions
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Carlos Salcedo 7 Had a relatively stress free game despite the attacking stars of Brazil, and the goal conceded was a well worked effort he could do little about
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Jesus Gallardo 7 Played well against Jesus, and even when beaten somehow find a way to recover despite the energy-sapping heat
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Hector Herrera 6 Had a couple of chances in attack whilst also making sure his defence were not exposed by the likes of Neymar and Coutinho
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Rafael Marquez 6 He may be 39, but Marquez dictated play, using his experience to make his teammates aware of gaps in the Brazilian defence. Withdrawn at half-time in 35C heat.
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Andres Guardado 6 Gave Mexico balance and looked promising going forward, as well as working well to get back for his team. Struggled in the second half
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Carlos Vela 6 Although sometime guilty of choosing to shoot when he could pass, he has been a danger for Mexico and has looked good on the break
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Javier Hernandez 6 Without that clear chance that he was desperate for, but good positional play, and some final balls were inches away from finding him. Withdrawn in the second half
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Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Hirving Lozano 8 The biggest danger in this Mexican side, his tireless running, skill and confidence posed problems for Brazil particularly on the counter
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The second Brazilian goal was created by Neymar, who beat his defender and forced a good save from Guillermo Ochoa, who could only divert his effort to substitute Roberto Firmino at the far post. Mexico tired towards the end, and have now lost their fourth tournament game for the seventh time.
Flick through our gallery above to see the player ratings from the match.
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