BRAZIL’S favourite football player, Neymar, is arguably the biggest star still standing at the World Cup. Well, I say standing. The truth is he spends most of his time writhing on the ground like a suffocating fish. Neymar is the Picasso of diving. Other players turned it into an art form long ago, but through him it has evolved into something so disturbing it’s impressive. Limbs are splayed at unnatural angles. Body parts show up in weird and unexpected places. And through it all, his face is contorted into an expression of deep, existential agony. Which brings us to his histrionic little performance against Mexico this morning. Here is the full footage, courtesy of SBS. Neymar was on the ground with the ball between his legs. As Mexican defender Layun bent over to retrieve it for a throw-in, wanting to play on quickly, his boot touched the Brazilian’s ankle. Should Layun have put his foot somewhere else? Sure. Was there enough contact to cause an adult human, which Neymar allegedly is, any genuine pain? Absolutely not. Nevertheless, Neymar reacted as though Layun’s studs had pierced his very soul. Obviously he was fine, but play had to be stopped for several minutes as medical staff examined his non-existent injury and sprayed it with their magic deodorant.
Meanwhile, the officials reviewed the incident to see whether there had been a foul. Discovering Layun had done nothing wrong, the referee simply stood and watched Neymar roll around on the grass for a while, which was admittedly an entertaining sight. Then, when the predictable, miraculous recovery materialised, he resumed play. That’s it. Play on. Neymar tried to trick the referee into thinking a Mexican player had stomped on his ankle — a send-off offence — and the officials’ response was to do absolutely nothing. Players dive and fake injuries, with varying levels of theatrics, for many reasons. One guy will try to win a soft free kick, which is annoying but usually quite harmless. A more shameless offender will pretend to be tripped in the box, where an easily duped referee might grant him a penalty. And then there are the truly mendacious players, who actively try to get their opponents sent off for crimes they didn’t commit. This is the lowest, most cynical form of cheating in football, and Neymar seems to do it compulsively. “It’s absolutely pathetic,” fed up England legend Alan Shearer said today . “There’s no doubting the ability of him, but it really is pathetic when he’s rolling around in agony. Why does he feel the need to do that? “It’s been a terrific World Cup, but the one downside is players feigning injury and the diving. It’s a big issue.” Neymar, for his part, seemed determined to play the victim again when he was asked about his embarrassing display. “Look, I think it’s more an attempt to undermine me than anything else. I don’t care much for criticism, not even for praise, because this can influence your attitude,” the Brazilian said. Clearly he feels no shame. The disgust of fans and other teams will do nothing to dissuade Neymar or others like him from their attempts to deceive referees. Only one thing can do that — an official, severe and long overdue crackdown. Neymar should have been hit with a yellow card at the very least. And why stop there? He was trying to get Layun sent off, after all. Show Neymar the red instead. If the only reaction to players faking is a wry smile from the referee and a call to play on, there is no incentive to change. But if the pretenders know they will be kicked off the field and suspended, they’ll cut it out. They would be stupid not to. Then we can stop rolling our eyes at this nonsense and start properly appreciating Neymar’s footballing brilliance, which is undeniable. This morning he scored one of Brazil’s goals and beautifully set up the other in a man-of-the-match performance , propelling his team into the quarterfinals. His pace, balance and skill on the ball truly are a delight to watch — as long as he stays on his feet.
Was Oprah's support a jinx? Just a day after the talk-show mogul threw her support behind Mexico in the World Cup, the Mexican team got knocked out by powerhouse Brazil.
#BRA get the job done! 💪
Second-half goals from @neymarjr and Roberto Firmino mean that @CBF_Futebol are through to the quarter-finals! #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/LHBtM2Ajbw — FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 2, 2018
Along the way, Brazilian star Neymar pulled yet another impressive fake-out (remember this one?). Mexico player Miguel Layun stepped on Neymar's ankle, and the Brazilian star's dramatic overreaction created more memes about how he deserves an Academy Award for his acting.
"Here's Neymar's ankle getting stepped on before he died from the injury and was resurrected," joked one.
Wrote BBC 5 Live Sport, "Neymar claims Layun stood on his ankle on the touchline. But his reaction was 'as if there were invisible crocodiles surrounding the edge of the pitch.'"
"I'm embarrassed for him" - @DionDublinsDube
Neymar claims Layun stood on his ankle on the touchline.
But his reaction was "as if there were invisible crocodiles surrounding the edge of the pitch"
📱📻 https://t.co/sN3eZOIMrt#WorldCup #bbcworldcup #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/V3dDlV9qlr — BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) July 2, 2018
And The Oscar goes to.... Neymar 👏 — Xtiian Zech (@XtiianZech) July 2, 2018
If Neymar was a dog... 😅 pic.twitter.com/q23YbrTDyG — Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) July 2, 2018
Neymar’s highlights from the Mexico game:
pic.twitter.com/RzoiRUD3iu — Carlos Marquez (@Carlmarq96) July 2, 2018
wtf neymar, literally done this every time in the #worldcup so far pic.twitter.com/0gsYmKuWsr — m💕. (@xbarcaa) July 2, 2018
I just waved at Neymar
He fell over — Jesus H Christ (@ThatBloke_Jesus) July 2, 2018
*mexicans*
neymar is such a bad actor
also mexicans: pic.twitter.com/feaw4RjKX3 — gustavo (@gustavonever) July 2, 2018
Considering the amount of time Neymar has been rolling about the pitch... There should be about 91 minutes injury time in this game #BRAMEX — Davie 1.6 (@Selki13) July 2, 2018
Here's Neymar's ankle getting stepped on before he died from the injury and was resurrected pic.twitter.com/4BKcrzT9sz — Marcus Gilmer (@marcusgilmer) July 2, 2018
Neymar has the lowest pain threshold of any player in World Cups since Opta stats began. — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 2, 2018
wtf neymar, literally done this every time in the #worldcup so far pic.twitter.com/0gsYmKuWsr — m💕. (@xbarcaa) July 2, 2018
Mexican coach Juan Carlos Osorio didn't mention Neymar's name, but it seems clear that he was talking about the superstar in a quote reported by the Guardian.
"I think it's a shame for football," Osorio said. "We wasted a lot of time because of one player. We stopped too often. I think this is a very negative example for the world of football and all the children who are following this game. This is a strong sport, a man's sport and I think there shouldn't be so much acting."
Osorio didn't mention Neymar by name (but he was talking about Neymar): "It's an embarrassment for football that so much time was wasted on one player. The officiating was very biased and the players got tired of that ... It's not a good example for football." #eltrieng #mex — Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) July 2, 2018
But after the game, the player himself dismissed the criticism.
"I think it's more an attempt to undermine me than anything else," Neymar said, according to The Guardian. "I am here to win with my teammates."
On his Twitter account, the player stuck only to praising God and celebrating his team's win, with no mention of the in-game drama. "To you, all honor and all glory God," he wrote.
Para ti toda honra e toda Glória Deus 🙌🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/w7TKYTkDrM — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) July 2, 2018
And some were quick to point out the Mexico coach would have a stronger complaint had his team played better. Wrote one Twitter user, "Mexico was outplayed. To blame Neymar is to distract from their performance."
Mexico was outplayed. To blame neymar is to distract from their performance. — VinnyX (@VinnyXa) July 2, 2018
while he might not be wrong how hard is it to admit that we were simply outplayed after the 30th minute — charles (@bakedjam) July 2, 2018
Osorio pathetic excuses do no good for him. Zero respect #regresaatucasa — Andre Maule (@Maule10) July 2, 2018
Neymar's fans also defended the star, pointing out that he scored one of Brazil's two goals, and many were furious Layun wasn't sent off for stepping on Neymar.
Wrote one, "To all the idiots making memes & making fun of Neymar. He was already injured & Mexican player did this. It's easy to judge but only he knew how he felt, after that he slowed down a bit because of pain. Y'all ignore the fact Brazil won bc of him & start trolling."
Said another, "For all of you who are saying that Neymar was too exaggerated today, let me step on your ankle with metal spikes."
To all the idiots making memes & making fun of Neymar , He was already injured & Mexican player did this , it’s easy to judge but only he knew how he felt , after that he slowed down a bit because of pain . Y’all ignore the fact Brazil won bc of him & start trolling LMAO #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/LHRTbQOFc9 — Neymar 🇧🇷 || Nadal 🌱 || Maria 🌱 (@its_me_lokey) July 2, 2018
For all of you who are saying that the Neymar was too exaggerated today, let me step on your ankle with metal spikes #BRAMEX 🤫 — missmay (@maymeimaeh1) July 2, 2018
Watch the replay, he clearly stomps on Neymar's shin while Neymar is down. Should have been a red. — Chris Sutton (@chrissutton) July 2, 2018
Why’s everyone talking negative abt Neymar??? the guy did foul him... maybe his reaction was a bit exaggerated... but we don’t know, we aren’t in his body. what we do know is he scored a goal and did an amazing assist and without him Brazil probably wouldn’t have won.. #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/oXCQm5e3Wu — 🇦🇷🇧🇷🇪🇸🇺🇾 (@ari_moonlight98) July 2, 2018
Mexico's many supporters were justifiably bummed out by the loss, while Brazil fans went a little nuts. Wrote one Mexico fan, "After the #MexicoVsBrasil game, I showered in my own tears."
After the #MexicoVsBrasil game, I showered in my own tears pic.twitter.com/9vN5ACcVtw — Eric 🐝 (@LatinoDionysus) July 2, 2018
ALL OF BRAZIL RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/1wuV7kaq1j — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 2, 2018
Brazil and Mexico met for the 5th time in the World Cup.
Mexico still hasn't scored a goal against Brazil in ANY of those meetings. pic.twitter.com/34mWU1Ot98 — CBS Sports (@CBSSports) July 2, 2018
#BRAMEX Koreans after putting their blood sweat & tears in just to see Mexico lose in their next game pic.twitter.com/5xZe9JGTR0 — z // asd📌 (@daegudoyoung) July 2, 2018
The day's second match ended with Belgium eliminating Japan 3-2 after being down 0-2.
Belgium scored 3 straight goals to shock Japan in a comeback victory. The winning shot came in the 94th minute. https://t.co/VlgV6G9fZL pic.twitter.com/b52VjB43o2 — The New York Times (@nytimes) July 2, 2018
But the Japanese team heads for home with a stellar reputation, thanks in part to their fans regularly cleaning up stadiums after their games. Wrote one fan with a pro-Mexico nickname, "Japan deserved better, all the Japanese fans we met in Moscow were great." Added another, "Belgium won the match, Japan won our hearts. "
Elation for Belgium, but utter heartbreak for #JPN
Thank you for contributing so much to a #WorldCup classic and for everything you've added to Russia 2018, Japan. #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/rtd3xUrEyj — FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) July 2, 2018
Japan deserved better, all the Japanese fans we met in Moscow were great — Vamos Mexico (@danpack6) July 2, 2018
Even after losing, Japan fans still stayed behind to clean up the stands 👏 pic.twitter.com/Q5t9akokKy — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2018
Respect 🇯🇵
Japan fans clean up Volgograd Stadium after their loss to #POL
[🎥 IG: Thomas_mandl] #JPN pic.twitter.com/oQ97u8jT0M — COPA90 US (@COPA90US) June 28, 2018
Thanks to #Japan for making Asia proud.
Better luck next time, Congrats to Belgium.
Belgium won the match, Japan won our hearts.
Love from ?? — kiran krishnan (@kirankris) July 2, 2018
On Wednesday, Sweden plays Switzerland, and Colombia takes on England.
First published, July 2, 11:43 a.m. PT.
Update, 3:55 p.m. PT: Adds Neymar's reaction to Mexican coach's statement. Added Japan-Belgium links.
Perhaps it is old-fashioned to hope that our heroes may demonstrate a little nobility. Neymar was excellent here, by far his most effective game of the World Cup, a stripped-down, almost generous performance, but just as it seemed he might be becoming the player Brazil need him to be, he indulged in the sort of histrionics that do him and the game no favours.
Miguel Layun did tread on his ankle as he retrieved the ball, which Neymar was clutching between his feet. Perhaps it was deliberate, perhaps not, but the proximity of the fourth official and his decision to take no action suggested there was little untoward. Neymar, though, threw himself into a spasm of feigned agony with the fairly obvious intention of getting the Mexico midfielder sent off. He was at it again in the final seconds, flinging himself to the ground with a screech of anguish, only to dust himself off and trot back once satisfied no free-kick was going to be given.
Perhaps Brazilians will say that is simply jeitinho, the spirit of cunning and law-bending that runs with malign effect through so much of its society, from football to the spectacular corrupt politics, but it is cheating and it ruined what was otherwise an extremely impressive performance, both individually and from Brazil.
Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 22 show all Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 1/22 Alisson 7 Made a less than convincing start but improved towards the end of the first half and resolute in the second REUTERS 2/22 Fagner 7 Tried to get forward, but also looked vulnerable against the Mexican counter attack, and Carlos Vela down his side Getty Images 3/22 Thiago Silva 7 Kept Hernandez remarkably quiet, and had little to do directly, as most of Mexico’s danger came from the wide areas. Getty Images 4/22 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 EPA 5/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 6/22 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 Getty Images 7/22 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 Getty Images 8/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 9/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 10/22 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. Getty Images 11/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 12/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 13/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 14/22 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 Getty Images 15/22 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 Getty Images 16/22 Jesus Gallardo 7 Played well against Jesus, and even when beaten somehow find a way to recover despite the energy-sapping heat Getty Images 17/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 18/22 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. Getty Images 19/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 20/22 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 Getty Images 21/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 22/22 Hirving Lozano 8 The biggest danger in this Mexican side, his tireless running, skill and confidence posed problems for Brazil particularly on the counter AFP/Getty Images 1/22 Alisson 7 Made a less than convincing start but improved towards the end of the first half and resolute in the second REUTERS 2/22 Fagner 7 Tried to get forward, but also looked vulnerable against the Mexican counter attack, and Carlos Vela down his side Getty Images 3/22 Thiago Silva 7 Kept Hernandez remarkably quiet, and had little to do directly, as most of Mexico’s danger came from the wide areas. Getty Images 4/22 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 EPA 5/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 6/22 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 Getty Images 7/22 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 Getty Images 8/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 9/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 10/22 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. Getty Images 11/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 12/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 13/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 14/22 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 Getty Images 15/22 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 Getty Images 16/22 Jesus Gallardo 7 Played well against Jesus, and even when beaten somehow find a way to recover despite the energy-sapping heat Getty Images 17/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 18/22 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. Getty Images 19/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 20/22 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 Getty Images 21/22 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 AFP/Getty Images 22/22 Hirving Lozano 8 The biggest danger in this Mexican side, his tireless running, skill and confidence posed problems for Brazil particularly on the counter AFP/Getty Images
Neymar had lost the blonde tresses, and with it, it seemed, some of the brattishness that characterised his performance in the group stage – or perhaps it was simply that Brazil here had less of the ball than they had had previously. As Mexico controlled possession early on, Neymar was reduced to watching from the left flank, waiting for Brazil to counter. At times it was possible to see in him something of later-day Cristiano Ronaldo, a supremely skilful artillery engine to be rolled into action only when the occasion demanded. The opening goal was a result of his ingenuity, a backheel that for once wasn’t a needless flourish but which unlocked the defence.
But the self-serving Neymar has not been obliterated. He still seems to regard life as a great film in which he is the lead and everybody else mere extras. Why else would he have taken on a free-kick from absurd distance just before half-time, spooning the ball well over the bar when a whipped ball into the box might have been the better option? Why else than because he thought somebody might have scripted it, that this World Cup will yet turn out to be a story in which overcomes his frustrations to emerge as the hero?
The transformation from four years ago is remarkable. Back then, he seemed remarkably mature, the only sane man in a hysterical country. The video message he gave following his injury against Colombia in the quarter-final was a model of conciliation and acceptance, but it did nothing to staunch the emotional incontinence of the semi-final, when David Luiz held up a Neymar shirt and a team whipped into a frenzy, imploded against Germany.
Tite has calmed the frenzy, despite the staggering parochialism and entitlement of much of the Brazilian media. He has created a team that plays modern, progressive, effective football. He has dragged Brazil away from the boorishness of the Dunga and Luiz Felipe Scolari dinosaur days. But he has not solved the problem of Neymar.
Perhaps the tendency has always been there. Perhaps it was the tendency that led Neymar to leave Barcelona for the vanity project of Paris St-Germain in the first place. But what is certainly true is that it has bloomed there. Like a second Sun King, his every whim has been indulged, a process that reached its apogee with his three-day birthday at which the coach Unai Emery was inveigled upon to cut the cake, an indignity clearly designed to emphasise where the power at the club lies.
Four years ago, the team’s Neymar-dependence seemed a burden he had to bear, a terrible weight for such a skilful player to carry. This time round, it has seemed at times as though he were determined to recreate it. But here, there were signs that he is slowly submitting to the collective, using his skills for the team rather than his own self-aggrandisement. But it is an ongoing process, and his undoubted brilliance is undermined by an unforgivable snideness.
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Heading into the tournament, Mexico had invested in their mental well-being. They hired a psychologist to bring a level of lucidity to the players’ collective mental state. The players and fans rallied around the phrase “imaginemos cosas chingonas” (a distinctly Mexican sentence that translates roughly to “Let’s imagine amazing things”) uttered by striker Javier Hernández in a fit of passion before the tournament.
A thrilling 1-0 win over Germany, the defending champions, helped the team start the tournament on a euphoric note.
But Brazil, with its overflowing talent, was a challenge too difficult to overcome.
“We’re sad, disappointed, obviously, with a dream that has ended,” Hernández said after the game. “It hurts.”
The Mexicans looked ambitious through the first 20 minutes, dominating the ball, excavating little channels through the Brazilian defense, bringing danger to the Brazilian goal mouth.
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But the game took on a different tone in the 25th minute, right about when Neymar turned two defenders inside-out with a head fake and a deceptive dribble and then drilled a shot toward goal that required a fingertip save from goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Ochoa made a number of crucial saves through the night. But from there to the final whistle, it was Brazil’s match.
Neymar orchestrated Brazil’s opener six minutes into the second half, cutting menacingly from left to right across the 18-yard line, tugging three defenders along with him, before smacking a blind, back heel pass to Willian, reversing the play.
With the defense discombobulated, Neymar abruptly did a U-turn into the box like a Russian cabdriver evading traffic and glided unfettered into the open space just in time to slide a cross from Willian across the goal line with his yellow cleat.
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The incident that enraged Osorio came about 20 minutes later. Neymar, as he had on a few occasions already to that point, was taking his time getting back to his feet. Mexican midfielder Miguel Layún came over to collect the ball and pressed his cleat onto the Brazilian’s ankle. Neymar reacted theatrically, assuming a fetal position and writhing on his back, like a turtle flipped onto its shell. The game was paused for several minutes, and the Mexicans watched in frustration, as he was examined.
Tite, the coach of Brazil, put the blame on Layún: “There’s nothing to say,” he said. “You just have to look at the video.”
Layún delivered an underhanded critique: “I think he’s a player with a lot of talent who hopefully one day dedicates himself to playing a little more.”
Osorio was unsparing: “It’s a man’s sport. I think there shouldn’t be so much acting.”
Neymar was cryptic: “I don’t much care for criticism, not even praise.”
Osorio had every reason to be frustrated. The team’s heroics in the group stage had inspired Mexico’s horde of traveling fans to sing his name from the stands — a remarkable turnaround for a coach pelted with criticism in the weeks heading into the tournament. But the good feelings withered in the heat of Samara.
It was Neymar, again, who conjured Brazil’s second goal, finishing a powerful dribbling run down the left wing with an outside-of-the-foot cross pass to Roberto Firmino, who needed only to tap the ball into the net.
Mexico’s fans, who had turned every game in Russia into a virtual home game for their team, were quiet for perhaps the first time this month.
The final whistle, minutes later, signaled the end of the road. There was no curse to blame, only Neymar — brilliant, exasperating Neymar.
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——
Here’s how Brazil beat Mexico, from Andrew Das in Moscow:
FULL TIME: Brazil 2, Mexico 0
Brazil looks to be the World Cup favorite after a dominating performance against Mexico. Neymar was all over the field, and his defense appears to be more than up to the task.
90’ + 5: Mexico Goes Down Shooting
One last gasp for Mexico, but Allison is up to the task. Jimenez lets one fly, but a defender clips it.
90’ + 2: Guardado Settles a Score
Guardado gets a late yellow, which feels like a score-settling, I’m-just-mad-at-the-world yellow at this point.
90’: Mexico, Again, Could Go Out in round of 16
It’s hard to believe, given the feelings and the optimism after Mexico opened the tournament with its stunning win over Germany, but they’re going out — again — in their first knockout game. That’s seven straight World Cups that they’ve made it out of the group only to fall at the first hurdle. And it’ll be a bitter disappointment: they were primed and talented and prepared, and then they ran into Brazil.
88’ GOAL! Brazil Puts Mexico Away
Neymar bursts down the left and pokes a shot past Ochoa with his right foot. Ochoa gets a toe on it — just enough to keep it off line — but Firmino is the first man to it in the goal mouth and he buries it. Brazil 2, Mexico 0. And that’ll be that in this one.
88’: Osorio Not Happy With Call
Osorio is red with rage on the sideline. No clue why, but that’s not acting: he’s maaad.
87’: Corner for Mexico
Brazil defends a corner but Alisson has to come out for a punch to save it. Bad things happen on plays like that, but fortunately for him, Mexico was offside. Tick, tick, tick ......
86’: Firmino for Coutinho
Here’s the second Brazil sub: Firmino on for his former Liverpool teammate Coutinho.
85’: The Numbers Favor Brazil
While the possession is 50-50 today, Brazil has had more shots, more shots on target, more corners and, most crucially, one more goal. Deserved leaders, but they haven’t put El Tri away yet. That’s dangerous, especially in these final desperate minutes.
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84’: Brazil Slowing It Down
Thiago Silva down for treatment now; Brazil knows how to play this slowdown game better than most teams, too. They’ve got alllllll the skills.
81’: Brazil Solid in the Back
It’s worth noting that Brazil has given up one goal in Russia: in the 50th minute of its opening tie against Switzerland. They’ve been rock solid at the back ever since. Mexico, on the other hand, is nearly its second straight shutout defeat if they can’t find a goal soon.
80’: Here Comes Fernandinho for Brazil
Paulinho off, Fernandinho off. Some would argue they just got a better version of the same player.
79’: Fagner Holds Off Lozano
High-fives for Fagner at the back after he holds off Lozano and somehow manages to win a goal kick. Brazil can sense it. Mexico has 15 minutes or so to get something going.
77’: Yellow for Layun
Tape-delayed yellow card for Layun there after another Neymar takedown in midfield. He protests briefly, but the referee isn’t having it. That was probably payback for the earlier one.
75’: Mexico Looks Tired
Mexico has made three subs and Brazil none. So why is it that Mexico looks gassed?
73’: No Card for Layun
Rocchi choose to pass on a review; maybe Neymar looked a little tooooooooo hurt. Anyway, Layun stays on, and play resumes.
72’: Neymar Still Down
Neymar really made a meal of it, though, pounding the turf in agony (honestly, it didn’t look like he got raked or anything). But now the delay would give the referee the chance to take a look.
71’: Layun Stomps Neymar
Neymar writhing on the ground next to the Brazil bench. But it looks like Layun was a bit naughty there. He stomped on his ankle as he came over to get the ball while Neymar lay on the turf.
70’: Great Chance for Mexico
A SUPER ball from Salcedo creates a chance on the right for Herrera, but his cross just misses the noggin of Dos Santos and Guardado, first to the free ball, has it blocked by two charging Brazilians.
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If you’re Juan Carlos Osorio, you’d like more of that.
68’: Brazil’s Counterattack Just Misses
Carlos Vela turns a promising Mexico attack into a sudden Brazilian counter with an inexcusably loose pass in midfield. Willian promptly finds Neymar, who pivots and — thankfully for Vela — rolls his shot around the left post.
66’: Jimenez Off to a Bad Start
Raul Jimenez, who quietly came on for Chicharito a few minutes ago, allows his first real action to be a ball lost between his legs. Ack.
65’: No Foul
That sure looked like a foul on Lozano as he cut across the top of the area, but Mr. Rocchi doesn’t blow his whistle, and the chance fades away.
64’: Another Save for Ochoa
Willian uses a stepover to lose Salcedo and rips a right-footed shot that Ochoa is lucky to push over.
63’: Neymar Goes Down
Neymar, down again, appears to be asking why the superstar treatment is not in effect today. “Do you know who I am? I’m Neymar!”
61’: Mexico Blocked!
Something out of nothing for Mexico there: a ball up the left springs Lozano, and Vela winds up with it on the right. Alisson reaches up and pushes his bending shot over the bar.
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59’: Paulinho Fires, Ochoa Blocks
Fagner absolutely tees up Paulinho at the spot, but he hits Ochoa right in the mitts. At the other end, Casemiro goes into the book with a yellow. That’s his second, so he’ll miss the quarterfinals if Brazil holds on and wins today.
If they don’t hold on and win, of course, all the Brazilians will miss the quarterfinals.
57’: Brazil Looking for No. 2
Brazil, aware of the lesson Spain learned on Sunday, is hunting a second goal now. Why wait? Neymar fires from distance but it’s just wide.
55’: Vela Making Moves
Nice bit of footwork by Carlos Vela at midfield. He manages to pull three Brazilians out of position, but when he finally wriggles free he’s just so tired he passes it back.
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53’: Corner for Mexico
Mexico in again, through Carlos Vela on the left. He goes down and the ball goes out. Brazil appeals for a goal kick. Mexico wants a penalty. The ref picks — corner!
52’: Different Game Now
The goal stands after a quick VAR inspection for offside, and now here comes Mexico straight off the kickoff. The goal has spiced things up nicely. In elimination games, they tend to do that.
51’ GOAL! BRAZIL!
That was pretty. Neymar walked the ball across the top of the area and then, just when it looked like he’d gone too far, backheeled it to Willian. Willian pushed it through into space just to the left of the goal, and his cutback is met by ... Neymar, who never stopped running.
50’ Great Chance for Mexico
A secondary breakout led by Gallardo gives him options left, right and center. So of course he curls a shot five yards over Alisson’s crossbar.
48’: Another Save for Ochoa
Mexico nearly caught snoozing on the corner, as Coutinho is allowed to walk in and tee up a shot on Ochoa. The keeper isn’t pleased, and slaps his hands and reminds his teammates they’re there to protect him.
47’: Mexico Shuffles
Layun, at least initially, seems to have slotted in at right back, pushing Alvarez into the central midfield role Marquez vacated. But let’s give it a few minutes to be sure.
46’: Layun Comes On for Mexico
One change for Mexico at halftime: A now-blond Miguel Layun replaces Marquez, who gave them a half in this intense heat.
Ochoa Up to the Task
Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa became the first goalkeeper of this World Cup to make 20 saves. He’s had a couple big ones today.
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Halftime: Brazil 0, Mexico 0
Mexico will be far more pleased with that half than Brazil, which was the more dangerous team but still had to fight off a couple nervous moments. Brazil is the favorite today though, by a wide margin, so every minute they’re not winning is a minute wasted for them, and a minute of hope for Mexico.
Andrew Keh: Chicharito, who seemed to be moving gingerly at times in that half, jogged quickly into the locker room at the whistle while the 21 other players on the field walked. He may have some injury to sort out.
43’: Yellow for Filipe Luis
Brazil’s Filipe Luis joins Alvarez in the referee’s notebook with a lunging toe stab at Vela. Stopped the attack, however, so maybe it was worth it.
42’: Brazil Corner Cleared
The same is true for its corners ... Brazil’s third of the day is easily dealt with by Marquez.
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41’: Brazil Attack Fizzles Again
Brazil’s one-touch, give-and-go game is world class so far. It’s crossing, however, is high school gym class, and so another moment that gave us all hope fades away.
40’: Neymar’s Free Kick Goes Wide
Neymar takes the free kick himself, but it’s a couple yards high and a couple yards wide. No problem for Ochoa, who is happy to watch is sail past.
39’: Yellow for Alvarez
Well, nothing ticky-tack about that one: Alvarez tries to cut Neymar in half. He doesn’t succeed, but does manage to bring him down. That’ll be a yellow for the right back, which may make his job — keeping Neymar in check — quite a bit more difficult.
38’: Both Sides Getting Physical
And the ticky-tack ankle-clipping portion of the game has begun. The referee Gianliuca Rocchi gives a warning: yellow cards to come.
35’: Lozano Switches Sides
Mexico’s Hirving Lozano over on the left now, where he’s promptly whacked by Fagner. “Welcome to this side. This is how we roll over here,” he says. “You might be more comfortable back over there.”
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33’: Two Saves for Ochoa as Brazil Attacks
Double save for Guillermo Ochoa and Mexico! Brazil’s ball feints work again, and result in a pair of shots for Gabriel Jesus and Coutinho. Mexico blocks both, though, and breathes a sigh of relief.
31’: Mexico Takes a Breath
After another foiled attack from Brazil, Alvarez, stalling on a throw at midfield, makes the universal “just chill a sec” signal. Maybe he’s right. He could have been talking to both teams.
26’: Coutinho Fires ... High
A Brazil free kick leads to some more scrambling: an awkward header, an Ochoa save, a Gabriel Jesus shot after he collects the rebound, and a kick save by Ayala — the center back — to keep it out. Coutinho lets everyone catch their breath by blasting THAT rebound high over the bar.
25’: Neymar Makes His Move
Oooh Neymar. He just crossed over Alvarez there like a point guard in the open court. (Alvarez, to his eternal credit, didn’t fall over.) But Ochoa is out to make himself just big enough to block the shot. Super move, super save.
23’: Mexico’s Counterattack
About those Mexico counterattacks: they’ll probably want to go faster, more urgently, when they can to try to catch Brazil, which won’t like it anymore than Germany did. But the tired legs and three games in the group may be showing a bit; the pace just isn’t there so far.
21’: Mexico Keeps Running
Another breakout for Mexico — this is where they can be at their most dangerous — but the runs don’t have the same pace as the ones that tormented Germany in the opening game. Still, the secondary buildup produces a chance — Herrera pulls a ball around a sliding Miranda just in side the top of the area, but pulling the trigger takes a beat too long, and his attempt is blocked.
18’: Herrera Blocked
Crazy attacking sequence by Mexico there: Vela bad header, Chicharito overhead kick from the sideline to Guardado in the center, one-touch to Vela, cross to Herrera for a shot. Which is blocked. Feels like we deserved better after all that.
13’: Danger for Brazil
A bit more danger for Brazil there, as a cross proves troubling problematic. Mexico with a corner, but Brazil’s winning all of these aerial battles for now.
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12’: New Look
Just to clarify: Salcedo is the blond Mexican in defense. Chicharito is the blond Mexican in attack.
11’: Mexico Aggressive
Danger for Brazil there, as they lost Chicharito down the left. But they scramble back and Miranda, losing his footing in the area, pokes the ball off his feet just long enough for a teammate to clear.
9’: Threat From Vela
Great run by Carlos Vela up the left ends up in the area; he seemed surprised, almost, that Fagner let him in so easily.
On the corner that follows, a header sails high into the air and Alisson and Chicharito battle for it. The giant Brazilian keeper wins that fight every time.
7’: Marquez Solid in the Middle
Marquez has parked himself in front of the center backs, Ayala and Salcedo, as a deep-lying midfielder/forward-covering center back. He’ll be there all day, providing cover and guidance as Brazil charges in.
5’: Neymar Kicks a Knuckleball
A giveaway by Mexico gives Neymar an open look at the top of the penalty area. THIS IS NOT A GOOD STRATEGY MEXICO! His knuckling shot fools Ochoa a bit, but it’s straight at him, so he just punches it away.
4’: Neymar Tumbles
And Neymar takes his first dramatic tumble to win a free kick. It won’t be his last.
3’: Chicharito Flattens Fagner
Fagner gets run over, and stepped on, by Chicharito as he tries to break across the midfield stripe. Sorry not sorry, Hernandez says. Free kick for Brazil.
2’: Corner for Mexico
That one from Guardado is better: he gets in faster, and sends in a dangerous cross that Alisson has to dive to poke away. The clearance gets Mexico a corner though, which they promptly waste.
1’: Mexico Pushes Early
Mexico gets us going and tries to spring Guardado down the left. But he’s got no option, and ran a bit deep, and then kicks the ball out himself for a goal kick. Mexico will want to be direct again, though. But loner runs like that are easy for Brazil to handle.
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Brazil’s Starting Lineup
There’s confirmation that Brazil makes only one change, sending out Filipe Luis for the injured Marcelo.
1 Alisson (Roma)
2 Thiago Silva (Paris St Germain)
3 Miranda (Inter Milan)
5 Casemiro (Real Madrid)
6 Filipe Luis (Atlético Madrid)
9 Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
10 Neymar (Paris St Germain)
11 Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)
15 Paulinho (Barcelona)
19 Willian (Chelsea)
22 Fagner (Corinthians)
Mexico’s Starting Lineup
13 Guillermo Ochoa (Standard Liege)
2 Hugo Ayala (Tigres)
3 Carlos Salcedo (Eintracht Frankfurt)
4 Rafael Marquez (Atlas)
11 Carlos Vela (Los Angeles FC)
14 Javier Hernandez (West Ham)
16 Hector Herrera (Porto)
18 Andres Guardado (Real Betis)
21 Edson Alvarez (America)
22 Hirving Lozano (PSV Eindhoven)
23 Jesus Gallardo (Monterrey)
