Neymar's superb two-goal show inspired Brazil as the hosts eased through to the last 16 of the World Cup, finishing top of Group A to set up a meeting with Chile. The Barcelona forward scored two first-half goals as Cameroon were put to the sword in Brasilia, going down 4-1 in their third defeat in three group games. Neymar who's still only 22 and already has 35 goals in 52 caps to his name, and only Pele and Zico have a better goals-per-game average for Brazil but both those greats' totals of 77 and 66 respectively look achievable for this prodigy. His two goals put Brazil on their way and though Joel Matip's first-time finish initially pulled Cameroon level, Fred and substitute Fernandinho put a gloss on the scoreline.
Mexico's 3-1 victory against Croatia made it tight, but Brazil finished top on goal difference to set up a last-16 date with the Chileans, who were runners-up in Group B. Captain Rafael Marquez once again led by example to help carry Mexico through. The 35-year-old, captaining his country at a record fourth World Cup, superbly marshalled the defence against a team who had to win to go through and then popped up with the breakthrough goal. Marquez's powerful 72nd-minute header forced Croatia to push even harder and that played straight into Mexico's hands as they added a further two goals in the next 10 minutes to set up a knockout tie against free-scoring Holland. Andres Guadardo expertly converted a counter-attack move down the right before substitute Javier Hernandez put his frustrating season at Manchester United behind him by nodding in from close range. Ivan Perisic's well-taken consolation three minutes from time came too late to save Croatia from a World Cup exit, which came slightly earlier for Ante Rebic who was sent off for a high lunge at Carlos Pena.
