Brazil are in the quarter-finals of the World Cup
Second half goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino gave them a 2-0 victory over Mexico, setting up a last-eight meeting with either Japan or Belgium.
This was by no means a vintage performance from Neymar, but his contribution was telling. He was in the right place at the right time to tuck away what appeared to be a mis-hit shot from Willian to give his country the lead. For the second goal, his toe-poked effort was saved by the Mexican goalkeeper only to fall for Firmin to tap home.
Neymar has been backed by many to be the stand out performer in Russia. While this may yet prove to be the case, many of those watching him on Monday were clearly frustrated by his tendency to make the most of the slightest bit of physical contact with an opponent.
This was again evident after an incident between Neymar and Miguel Layún in the second half. With the Paris Saint-Germain forward on the floor on the sideline, the Mexican defender stands on his ankle as he tries to retrieve the ball.
While there may have been an argument that Layún could’ve been sent off for this, he wasn’t – despite the ridiculously over the top reaction from Neymar.
ITV Sport showed the incident again during their analysis of the game, with former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg giving his view.
"This is a deliberate act and therefore it is a clear red card"@clattenburg1975 discusses the altercation between Layun and Neymar
Watch LIVE on @ITV pic.twitter.com/VxPT6eSOgz
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 2, 2018
Many of those watching were unimpressed by the former Barcelona star’s reaction…
https://twitter.com/EACoreySA/status/1013806397404930050
https://twitter.com/JenFCB/status/1013811401675214851
Yes Neymar gets hit a lot, but fuck he fakes to much be taken serious. He tries to be a good actor but he's just ridiculous, even when it's a legit fault. #BRAMEX #WorldCup
— neL (@neLendirekt) July 2, 2018
Neymar’s highlights from the Mexico game:
— Carlos Marquez (@Carlmarq96) July 2, 2018
When you touch Neymar #BRAMEX pic.twitter.com/0TA27VDLRe
— Sputnik (@SputNickx) July 2, 2018
