Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands And Chile Advance

Barcelona and Brazil striker Neymar opened the scores after 17 minutes when he tapped in Luis Gustavo’s cross before The Indomitable lions hit back through Joel Matip.

Brazil soon restored their advantage before halftime when Neymar charged into the box firing his shot between Cameroon defenders.

Fred and Fernandinho each scored a goal in the second half that ensured Brazil finished top of Group A on better goal difference.

Brazil will now face Chile who finished second in Group B after losing 2-0 to Netherlands.

Mexico which tied on points with Brazil also progressed to the last-16 stage behing the host as they saw off Croatia 3-1.

Veteran captain Rafa Marquez opened the scores when he headed home from a corner after 77 minutes.

Andres Guardado made it two later, before Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez rounded off the scores through a header on the far post following a corner.

Ivan Perisic grabbed a consolation for Croatia when he slotted home Ivan Rakitic’s cross in the 87th minute.

Mexico will now face Netherlands in the last 16 stage after coach Van Gaal’s men secured a top spot in Group B with a 2-0 victory over Chile

Netherland’s Leroy Fer broke the deadlock after 77 minutes when he headed home a Darryl Janmaat’s cross two minutes after coming off the bench.

Memphis Depay then got the second goal for the Dutch side when he converted Arjen Robben’s cross few minutes before end of the match.

In other match played, Spain restored their pride of Golden era by beating Australia 3-0 in their last match in Group B in Critiba.

With a much changed squad, Spain opened their scores before the hour mark through David Villa who was playing his final international game.

Fenando Torres and Juan Mata who replaced Villa also registered their names on the score sheet.

Despite too much critics in their passing way of play, famously known as ‘tiki-taka’ Spain dominated the game with less passes but much focus on counter attack.

Napoli’s goalkeeper Pepe Reina was given the task between the post after Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas was dropped following consequent defeats to Netherlands and Chille.

In today’s fixtures, Uruguay will play Italy in Estadio das Dunas, Natal in an early kickoff while Costa Rica, already qualified will play England at the same time, 7:00 pm (EAT).

England has made nine changes to the side that lost to Uruguay for match against Costa Rica with key figures, Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart being dropped out of the starting line up.

Youngsters Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw will be used in the defence while James Milner, Frank Lampard, Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere and Adam Lallana wil play in the midfield.

Italy with superior goal difference will need only a draw in Natal against Italy to go through to the last 16.

Although it is a must-win game for Uruguay, Oscar Tabarez's men are often best with their backs to the wall.

"I have a group who are used to resisting pressure and who react to it in a good way.” Said Oscar Tabarez.

In late fixtures to be played today,  Ivory Coast  will play Greece  in Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza as Colombia, already qualified will be entertaining Japan in Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba at 11:00 PM (EAT).


By Morgan Mueke

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