Brazil Beat a Toothless Mexico 2-0 in Confederations Cup in Fortaleza Jason Le Miere - IBTimes.com
go to original June 19, 2013

Brazil 2-0 Mexico: Highlights (Dailymotion)

Premium Times Update: Italy defeated Japan 4-3 to progress to the semi-final of the competition. The loss means both Japan and Mexico are out from Group A, while Brazil and Italy qualify.

Neymar continued to stamp his mark on this Confederations Cup with a fine goal and an even better assist as Brazil all-but booked their place in the semifinals with a 2-0 win over Mexico in Fortaleza.

Brazil profited from their scintillating opening to the match that led to a second memorable goal in two games from Neymar after just nine minutes. But Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side failed to build on their initial dominance and a bolder team than Mexico may well have made them pay. Instead, Brazil did enough to keep their opponents at bay before, in injury time, a stunning piece of skill from Neymar led to an assist for substitute Jo to get his second goal of the competition.

While there was much to admire, it was an encounter that also showed up the work that still needs to be done for both teams ahead of next year’s World Cup. By far the greatest question marks remain over Mexico. Juan Manuel de la Torre’s side were much improved from their limp showing against Italy but they again looked largely toothless going forward and the coach continued to search in vain for the right blend to supply Javier Hernandez. Brazil also have issues, with their midfield again failing to control proceedings as a side with pretensions to be the world’s best should. But, in Neymar, they have a player who appears to be relishing the responsibility of being the side’s talisman.

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