By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA (AA) - Brazil advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after eliminating Mexico 2-0 at Samara Arena on Monday evening.
Neymar was the star for his team once again, contibuting to the victory with a goal and an assist.
Brazil upped the pressure on Mexico's defense starting early in the match, but were unable to score a goal until the first minutes of the second half.
Neymar scored the opening goal for his team in the 51st minute with a sliding finish to winger Willian's cross.
Forward Roberto Firmino, who was substituted in for Philippe Coutinho -- his former Liverpool teammate -- contributed to scoring for Brazil late in the game to crush Mexico's dreams of advancing.
Neymar, in a counter-attack, poked in a shot that turned out to be an assist for Firmino at close range after goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa barely touched the ball.
Brazil will play in the quarterfinals against the winner of the Belgium-Japan match played tonight at 9 p.m. local time (GMT1800) at Rostov Arena.