Neymar scored twice in a man-of-the-match display as Brazil
rediscovered their attacking flair to overwhelm Cameroon and qualify for
the World Cup knockout stage.
The 22-year-old produced two brilliant first-half
strikes either side of a Joel Matip equaliser, with Fred and Fernandinho
assuring their side of a place in the last 16 as winners of Group A.
Standing between the hosts and a place in the quarter-finals are Chile, and Brazil can approach that meeting in Belo Horizonte on Saturday with renewed belief in their title chances.
Unconvincing performances against Croatia and Mexico raised concerns about Brazil - and worries remain over their defence - but with Neymar at their disposal, anything is possible.
Who has qualified for the last 16? |
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Brazil (Group A) |
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Mexico (Group A) |
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Netherlands (Group B) |
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Chile (Group B) |
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Colombia (Group C) |
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Costa Rica (Group D) |
|
Argentina (Group F) |
|
Belgium (Group H) |
Scolari named an identical line-up to the one that beat Japan, meaning Hulk returned from injury to replace Ramires in the same 4-3-3 formation that edged them past Croatia.
Any frustration from Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Mexico appeared to have dissipated as droves of yellow-and-green-clad fans created a sensational atmosphere inside Brasilia's magnificent Estadio Nacional, and Brazil responded by pouring forward in search of an early goal.
They almost had it when a Paulinho shot was blocked after Neymar played in Hulk to cross, but such attacking ambition left them exposed in defence and Cameroon looked to capitalise.
A sharp break ended with Marcelo blocking a goalbound Vincent Aboubakar strike before David Luiz was forced to frantically clear Eric Choupo Moting's low centre inside the six yard box.
Brazil did not, however, seem in the mood to curb their natural instincts and after Neymar had been riled by Allan Nyom's off-the-ball shove, the 22-year-old made his mark.
Luiz Gustavo won possession on the left and crossed for Neymar to open his body and beat Charles Itandje with a delightful first-time, side-footed finished into the bottom corner.
It was a fitting way to register the 100th goal of this World Cup - and the same man almost made it two with a ferocious volley that Itandje did well to punch away.
Who is out of the World Cup? |
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Cameroon (Group A) |
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Croatia (Group A) |
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Australia (Group B) |
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Spain (Group B) |
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England (Group D) |
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Bosnia-Hercegovina (Group F) |
Scolari gesticulated wildly to his players and they responded in the only way they know, Marcelo finding Neymar to race upfield and wrong-foot Itandje for his 35th goal in 52 internationals.
Neymar was now showboating and he combined with Oscar and Paulinho to set up Hulk for what would have been a sensational team effort, only for Hulk to miscue.
Scolari replaced Paulinho with Fernandinho at half-time - a move many supporters and pundits have been calling for in recent days - and it had an immediate impact.
The Manchester City midfielder sent Hulk clear, Henri Bedimo arriving with a perfectly timed challenge, and then found Luiz to cross for Fred to extend Brazil's lead.
Replays suggested he was offside but referee Jonas Eriksson stood firm and Fred celebrated a moment that should help his confidence after poor showings against Croatia and Mexico.
Fernandinho slotted home a superb fourth that his contribution deserved and Brazil's satisfaction was increased by the fact that all of their players who were one booking away from a suspension - Neymar, Thiago Silva, Luiz Gustavo and Ramires - finished without punishment.
After a shaky start, Neymar fired Brazil ahead
Cameroon stunned the hosts when Joel Matip equalised
Brazil striker Fred tried to score with a header off the floor
Fred scored his first goal of the World Cup with a second-half header
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