SAMARA, Russia – Mexico’s 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign came to a close with a 2-0 defeat to Brazil on Monday afternoon at the Samara Arena in Samara, Russia.
Neymar scored early in the 51’ before playing provider on the second Brazilian goal, finished by Roberto Firmino in the 89’.
El Tricolor complete the tournament with an overall record of 2W-0D-2L, 3GF, 6GC.
The two teams went toe-to-toe in the first half, with Mexico starting off strong before Brazil settled in and started carving out chances.
Just like four years ago at Brazil 2014 when Mexico and Brazil played to a 0-0 draw, Mexico GK Guillermo Ochoa was on top of his game on Monday, making a key stop on Neymar midway through the half.
Brazil increased the pressure at the start of the second half and reaped the rewards by scoring the game’s first goal in the 51’. Willian streaked down the left flank and sent a perfect ball across that Neymar met with his right foot and turned into goal to hand Brazil a 1-0 lead.
Ochoa’s heroics continued into the second half, as the veteran stopper made a countless number of saves and interventions to keep El Tricolor within a goal.
However, in the end the five-time World Cup champions would prove too much and a counterattack led by Neymar in the 89’ was finished off by Firmino to complete the 2-0 scoreline.
