BRAZIL 2-0 MEXICO

Neymar produced a stunning display scoring one and setting up another as Brazil beat Mexico by two goals to nil in a lukewarm game in Fortazela.  The Brazilian wonderkid, a recent signing for Barcelona in a deal believed to be worth £55million, produced a fine display which will go some way to silence his European critics that question the boy’s ability.  Many European fans have been left wanting by a string of below par games this side of the Atlantic, however his performance was brilliant, being a constant thorn in the Mexican side, constantly making the defenders look fools.

Brazil started the game brightly and duly deserved to be in front. Brazil on the counter crossed the ball into the middle and a poor clearance by Huram Mier, heading the ball directly up came down perfectly for Neymar who volleyed the ball into the net from just inside the box. A goal any player would be proud of. Brazil should have been two up 5 minutes later, however a smart lob from Dani Alves was tipped just over the bar by Mexican keeper Jose de Jesus Corona. Mexico eventually turned up for the game 16 minutes in when Mier put the ball just past Julio Cesars post. The rest of the half was evenly spread, with Brazil a constant threat on the counter, and Mexico wasting the few chances that presented themselves.

Brazil started the second half brigtly, with Tiago Silva putting the ball into the back of the net from a smart Neymar freekick however he was adjudged to have been offside when the ball came over. Hulf should have doubled the lead himself however his finish let him down, hitting the side netting from a good break. Mexico again rallied, however missed two good chances, and the game was petering out before another smart move from Neymar, beating two defenders, before coolly putting the ball over for Jo to score in the open net.

Neymar, when on the ball, was an inspiration to Brazil attacking the Mexican full back and doing all he could to influence the game. However we also saw the ‘ugly’ side of Neymar, diving and generally attempting the cheat freekicks and bookings for his team. Something I feel needs to be eradicated from his game in Europe to label him a success. Joey Barton tweeted after the game “Magic from Neymar. Did unbelievably well. #stillnothavinghim”, so it is clear Joey still is not a fan of Barcelona’s latest superstar.

BRAZIL: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Fred (Jo 82), Neymar, Oscar (Hernanes 62), Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho, Hulk (Lucas 78)

MEXICO: Corona, Rodriguez, Salcido, Torrado (Jimenez 88), Dos Santos, Hernandez, Moreno, Guardado, Torres (Barrera 77), Mier, Flores (Herrera 58)

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