The competition to become the 2018 World Cup champion is heating up. Now that the group phase has concluded, teams have entered the knockout phase. There were 16 teams going into this stage, but now Neymar and Brazil have ensured that Mexico will not be moving forward. Brazil beat Mexico this morning 2-0 in a match that got physical on more than one occasion. Neymar scored the first goal shortly after halftime to give Brazil a 1-0 lead. The second goal was made by Roberto Firmino, who was assisted by Neymar. The superstar athlete was quick to gloat after the game, but also paid his respects to his adversary. "They talked too much, and they are going home," Neymar said to reporters after the game according to Sporting News. "I want to congratulate the whole team," he continued. "There are times in any game where you have to suffer, these are tough games and Mexico are a great side, but we showed lots of class. Us attackers have to score the goals because we know that we are very strong at the back." Neymar has scored two goals in this years' World Cup tournament, and will look to add to that number when Brazil plays the winner of Japan versus Belgium.<doc-sep>Flaunting his flair and his finishing touch wasn't enough. Neymar put his theatrics on show, too. What became clear in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Mexico is that the wild side of the striker's character is going nowhere at this year's World Cup. And neither is Brazil. "I don't much care for criticism," Neymar said. "Not even for praise." With a goal and an assist, Neymar propelled Brazil into the quarter-finals of a tournament it has won five times. Although Neymar has scored only two goals in four games in Russia, he did enter the World Cup after spending three months recovering from a broken right foot. And it was the right foot that helped to break through Mexico's stern resistance in Samara. After releasing Willian with a back-heel, Neymar raced into the penalty area and slid to tap his teammate's return cross into the net. While his scoring is so often the focus, Neymar also creates goals for his teammates. A toe-poked attempt to beat Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in the 88th minute was diverted into the path of Robert Firmino, who scored with a tap-in just like Neymar did. The world's most expensive player has 11 goals and nine assists in his past 19 games for Brazil. Sorry, this video has expired Brazil through to quarter-finals after defeating Mexico (Photo: Reuters) Neymar shrugs off criticism of his touchline dramatics But before setting up the second goal it looked like Neymar's game — or even his World Cup — could be over with 20 minutes to go. It turned out to be pure histrionics. Writhing in agony after his right ankle was stepped on by Miguel Layun, Neymar managed to get back on his feet, but not before trying to step on Layun. Both escaped punishment, but the judgment elsewhere was less forgiving, with Neymar asked after the match if he was a diva trying to draw fouls. "I think it's more an attempt to undermine me than anything else," Neymar responded. Neymar's ankle was stepped on, but his instant recovery suggested his reaction was slightly exaggerated. ( AP: Thanassis Stavrakis Mexico had moments, especially early on, when it seriously took the game to its opponents, but it couldn't find a way to stop Neymar. "He's very agile. He's very fast," Brazil coach Tite said. "Is it wrong to feign, to provoke the players in the last third? It's not a sin." Mexico questions ref for rewarding Neymar 'charade' Neymar's dispute with Layun unfolded as the Mexico substitute tried to recover the ball. In a delayed reaction, Neymar made the most of Layun stepping on his ankle, rolling around with his hand covering his eyes. The rapid recovery seemed miraculous. Juan Carlos Osorio was deeply unhappy with the amount of free-kicks Brazil was awarded. ( AP: Eduardo Verdugo "We wasted a lot of time because of one single player," Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said, without naming Neymar. "I think this is a real shame for football, especially for kids who are watching because this has to be a sport of virility, of determination, a man's sport, like other games, and not a charade." During the win over Costa Rica in the group stage, Neymar tried to win a penalty by flopping to the ground in the area. A video review reversed the decision to award a penalty kick and Neymar's frustrations a few minutes later led to a yellow card. Tite also played a big role in the victory over Mexico, deciding to replace Philippe Coutinho with Firmino. Fresh among tiring legs, Firmino was able to evade the defence to get in the right place to score the second goal. Neymar, though, still led the celebrations, charging toward the corner flag. Tite came to join him. With Germany, Argentina and Spain among the contenders already eliminated, Brazil's hopes of a sixth World Cup title have received an extra lift. AP<doc-sep>Brazil is through to the World Cup quarterfinals after seeing off Mexico 2-0 on Monday in the round of 16. Neymar scored the winner and Roberto Firmino put it away near the buzzer, ending a tournament for El Tri that started perfectly and ended horribly. The talented Brazilians were by far the stronger team in the match, but Mexico had chances to make it more of a game. In the end, Mexico leaves Russia with consecutive scoreless matches. Brazil had 21 shots, 10 on frame, but a fantastic performance from keeper Guillermo Ochoa kept Mexico in it with a chance to get ugly. Mexico saw plenty of the ball in the box, recording 13 shots, but only one tested Alisson in goal. With the match going back and forth, the winner came on 51 minutes off a lovely bit of play by Neymar. He got the ball to Willian, and the winger returned the favor in front of goal to open the scoring: Then with two minutes to go in regulation, Brazil clinched their spot in the quarterfinals. Roberto Firmino finished off a Neymar shot from close, allowing the South Americans to double up their opponent: And now, Brazil must wait for its next opponent. Belgium and Japan face off later in the day, with the winner facing Brazil on Friday. Brazil finished fourth in the cup in 2014, but crashed out in the quarterfinals in 2006 and 2010. Relive Brazil vs. Mexico live commentary If the live blog doesn't load properly, click here.<doc-sep>Brazil made sure they would not follow the likes of Spain, Germany, Portugal and Argentina as one of the big-name casualties of this World Cup as they beat Mexico in a hard-fought 2-0 encounter in Samara. Here are five things we learned from the Round of 16 game… Mexico continue unwanted historic run Brazil and Mexico had played each other four times over the history of the World Cup, with the fifth being the Round of 16 tie in Samara on Monday afternoon. Of those previous four, Brazil have won three and drawn one, scoring 11 goals and conceding zero. Brazil vs Mexico player ratings: World Cup 2018 Show all 22 1 /22 Brazil 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 REUTERS 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 Getty Images 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. Getty Images 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 EPA 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 AFP/Getty Images 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 Getty Images 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 Getty Images 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 AFP/Getty Images 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 AFP/Getty Images 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. Getty Images 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 AFP/Getty Images 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 AFP/Getty Images 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 AFP/Getty Images 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 Getty Images 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 Getty Images 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 Getty Images 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 AFP/Getty Images 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. Getty Images 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 AFP/Getty Images 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 Getty Images 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 AFP/Getty Images 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 AFP/Getty Images And for all their huffing and puffing in Samara, they failed to do so again. There were plenty of attacks for Mexico but few of those turned into a test for Alisson as players opted for shots from range that were blocked rather than looking for more penetrating passes. Neymar watch<doc-sep>
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio has many reasons to be upset. His team is out of the World Cup, the squad didn't play that well in its last two matches (zero goals scored), and there's a chance he's looking for a new coaching job before long. It was a frustrating performance on Monday, a 2-0 loss to World Cup favorites Brazil. And though he was angry at the officials, he was also furious with Brazil star Neymar, who scored the winning goal. In the second half, down on the sideline, Neymar was stepped up by Miguel Layun. It didn't look like anything too forceful, and while being stepped on by a cleat isn't fun, Neymar certainly looked to have played it up quite a bit. Here's what it looked like: After the match, Osorio didn't hold back. "We had control of the match, but to me it is just shameful that so much time could be lost over one player," the Mexico coach said, according to ESPN. "The delay for one player lasted four minutes, and that is a lesson for even children who play. This should be a game of men and not so much clowning around." It's worth pointing out that it's not a game for just men. Sorry, Osorio. With that out of the way, Osorio has a point about the theatrics, because there's no room for the level of acting we sometimes see. It certainly looked like Neymar was trying to get Layun booked for his stomp, but there's also the chance that it was actually pretty painful. In the end, Layun was fortunate to escape the incident without at least a yellow card. And luckily for Neymar, Layun didn't step on his ankle with more weight behind it, because that could result in a serious injury. That being said, in no way shape or form was that incident the deciding factor in the game. Mexico had its chances and the team was wasteful, putting just one out of 13 shots on frame. If Osorio has to be upset, it should be with himself and his team for not clicking when it mattered most.