Neymar powers Brazil into World Cup last 16

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Neymar powers Brazil into World Cup last 16

FRANCOIS XAVIER MARIT / AFP

Neymar demonstrated his importance to Brazil with a brace as the World Cup hosts beat Cameroon 4-1 at the National Stadium on Monday to secure top spot in Group A and a last-16 tie against Chile.

The Barcelona forward scored the tournament's 100th goal in Brazil's 100th World Cup finals match to put the hosts ahead and restored their lead before the interval after Joel Matip had equalised for already-eliminated Cameroon.

Fred got Brazil's third early in the second half with substitute Fernandinho adding a late fourth to the delight of the mass ranks of Brazil fans in Brasilia.

Brazil's win, combined with Mexico's 3-1 victory against Croatia in the other Group A game in Recife, ensured that they progress as group winners, ahead of Mexico on goal difference.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said Brazil must improve for Saturday's game against Chile.

"We are progressing on an everday basis," insisted Scolari. "We scored four goals, and could have had seven or eight, but for the next match against a great Chile team I think we still need to get better."

Man of the match Neymar added: "Everyone deserves credit because of the result and because of the way we played. We are on the right track."

Cameroon were already out of the tournament after losing their opening two matches, but the Indomitable Lions had the advantage of playing without pressure.

Volker Finke's men passed the ball confidently early on and Vincent Aboubakar shook the home side with a shot that was blocked by Marcelo, but it was Brazil who took the lead.

The opening goal came as a huge release for Brazil and their fans in the crowd of over 69,000. Neymar coolly sidefooted a low Luiz Gustavo cross first time into the net.

However, the goal owed as much to the industry and craft of Luiz Gustavo, who did superbly to rob possession from Benjamin Moukandjo on the left before delivering a pinpoint ball.

It was the first time in the tournament that Scolari's side had scored the first goal of a game, and both Neymar and Fred came close to increasing their advantage, the latter lunging desperately to connect with a Paulinho cross but unable to scramble the ball home.

- Fred off the mark -

Cameroon silenced the home fans when they drew level in the 26th minute.

Allan Nyom got away from Dani Alves on the left and delivered a low ball that evaded Thiago Silva and David Luiz to give Matip the easiest of finishes, the Schalke player getting Cameroon's first goal at this World Cup.

Brazil did not panic, and Neymar again intervened to restore their lead in the 34th minute.

When Nyom's headed clearance was returned by Marcelo, the Barcelona player collected the ball, cut inside before sending in a low shot from the edge of the area that passed underneath Nicolas Nkoulou and went right through Charles Itandje in goal.

Scolari replaced Paulinho at the interval, sending on Fernandinho. The Manchester City midfielder had an immediate impact, helping Brazil open up a two-goal cushion four minutes into the second period.

His pass released David Luiz on the left-hand edge of the area and the latter's centre was headed into a gaping goal from four yards by the grateful Fred, who scored his first goal of the finals.

The striker may just have been offside position when the cross came in, but the Swedish assistant referee did not raise his flag, much to Cameroon's frustration and Fred's relief.

Neymar was withdrawn for the closing stages and watched as Fernandinho poked home the fourth goal in the 84th minute, having combined superbly with Fred and Oscar after Cameroon lost possession in their own half.

In Recife, captain Rafael Marquez put Mexico in front against Croatia in the 72nd minute before Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez added further goals.

"That is one of the happiest days of my life," beamed Mexico coach Miguel Herrera.

"It was a hard fight, but my team pulled through."

Mexico face the Netherlands in the last 16, while Croatia, who scored a consolation through Ivan Perisic before having Ante Rebic sent off, go home.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-06-24

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