Neymar Jr led Brazil to the Round of 16 with a brilliant performance against Cameroon this evening. The other Group A match, which featured Ivan Rakitic’s Croatia, saw Mexico secure the second spot of the group.
Neymar shines
Both Neymar and Dani Alves, FC Barcelona’s two players who feature for Brazil, were named to the starting line-up by Scolari. The Brazilian got off to a flaying start thanks to a goal from Neymar on 17 minutes. But Cameroon, who were without Song, scored the equaliser thanks to a strike from Matip on 27 minutes. In the closing minutes of the first half, Neymar scored a brilliant goal from just outside the area. In the second half Brazil scored two more goals thanks to strikes from Fred and Fernandinho. Neymar was subbed off on 71 minutes.
Rakitic bids farewell to the World Cup
The other match of Group A pitted Mexico against Croatia. The CONCACAF team secured the second spot of the group thanks to goals from Rafa Márquez, Guardado and Chicharito. Croatia got on the board thanks to a strike from Perisic.