Supp. Nineteen 'Neymar Shows Up'

There has been huge talk surrounding Neymar throughout the tournament thus far, but not for the reasons the former Santos man would wish: criticized heavily for diving and accused of sending the game into disrepute, Neymar’s performances on field had to improve in what was commonly looked at as ‘his’ world cup to shine in during the lead up to the tournament. The Samara Arena offered this chance for him, illuminated with vibrant yellows and the stark green of the Mexican support. The ground erupted at kick off as perennial Round of 16 side Mexico looked to topple South American giants Brazil in their giant slaying path toward the Luzhniki Stadium in two weeks time. Brazil’s number 10 finally stepped up and opened the scoring for Brazil after a bright start saw the PSG man notch a few chances and strike fear into the Mexican backline: Mexico gave a great account of themselves elsewhere in the first half, however, in keeping possession and dominating territorially.

Juan Carlos Osorio has made his side bereft of fear and it was undoubtedly evident before their legs grew weary and Brazil, orchestrated by the influential Coutinho, gained traction in the tie. As Neymar grew into the game, Brazil did too but the feeling was one that gave the impression that Brazil would be taking a long period of time to penetrate Guillermo Ochoa’s goal in the searing Samaran heat. But it wasn’t to be the case. Neymar, drifting in from the left six minutes in to the second half wiggled his way around the edge of the 18 yard box and put Willian through with a deft back heel after the Chelsea winger made a run to occupy the space left by Neymar; Willian delivered an emphatic cross with his weak foot and Neymar, who had moved into the box, converted; Brazil had broken the Mexican lock, and Neymar wheeled away toward the roaring Brazilian support.

Brazil looked more multi-faceted than ever, and after doubling their lead through substitute Roberto Firmino secured a 2-0 victory against a Mexican side which largely impressed at the tournament - their youth will stand them in good stead for when they return in four years time, should they qualify. Brazil looked cultured, incisive and intelligent and Neymars upturn in form comes at a great time; they look great for making the final and potentially going all the way to conquer the world for the sixth time.

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In the days other tie, pundits and fans alike saw Belgium as incredibly lucky to have drawn Japan in the first knockout round after their win against England. Japan came into the tie battered but rested after four stars had been left out of their final group game against Poland, which resulted in a loss. The first half was goalless, but Roberto Martinez’ tactics were leaving Belgium in a whole load of strife. Kevin De Bruyne, who has been vocal in the past about not liking to play in the deeper midfield role afforded to him in the national set up, looked poor. The Japanese high press was effective and they were stifling the Belgian sides creativity.

Both sides went into the break with the score at 0-0, but Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi shocked the crowd at the Rostov Arena when he put the Asians 1-0 up with a cultured finish of great composure on the end of a deep through ball. The shock deepened when Takashi Inui struck a wonderful goal from outside the box and put the Belgians in a two goal deficit, and for a near 20 minute period after the goal Japan looked the side more likely to score as Thibaut Courtois was kept busy. Belgium switched their system up a bit and brought Fellaini and Nacer Chadli on and their impacts were instant. At 70’ a corner was delivered and cleared but the deflection sent it looping toward Jan Vertonghen who sent it looping back, like a tennis volley and it founds its way beyond the Japanese keeper (who looked weary with crosses all evening). Five minutes later the Japanese lead evaporated when Fellaini, ten feet taller than the Japanese defensive party, headed home an easy header from a driven Eden Hazard cross.

Belgium struggled to score from that point and it looked as if we would be subjected to extra time for the third time this Round of 16, but after Japan delivered a cross and Courtois darted forward to send Kevin De Bruyne away on a counter attack the idea of a late Belgium winner swiftly became reality. Meunier was found by De Bruyne and the PSG man delivered a darting cross toward the box which was left intelligently by Romelu Lukaku and finished by West Brom’s Nacer Chadli: Belgium had won in the most emphatic fashion, in what will no doubt go down as one of the great World Cup games.