Brazil to meet Chile, Netherlands face Mexico in World Cup last 16

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, June 24, 2014
Adjust font size:

Brazil set up a showdown in the last 16 with Chile after beating Cameroon 4-1 to top Group A on Monday, while Mexico defeated Croatia 3-1 to finish second to book a clash with Group B leaders the Netherlands.

Neymar scored twice in the first half to become man of the match. He opened the scoring in the 17th minute but Joel Matip equalized in the 26th minute. Neymar put the host ahead again in the 34th before Fred and Fernandinho both scored to seal the victory.

Mexico needed only a draw to go through but Croatia must win the battle to qualify. Mexico laughed to the last.

Rafael Marquez headed in for Mexico before Andres Guardado drove in a shot and Javier Hernandez nodded home to put them 3-0 ahead.

Ivan Perisic scored a consolation goal in the 87th minute.

The Netherlands topped Group B with a 2-0 win over Chile with two goals from substitutes Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay.

Fer's first touch of the game was a goal. His header in the box went straight into the back of the net in the 77th minute.

In the injury time, Depay sealed the win for the Dutch with a tuck-in on a brilliant pass made by captain Arjen Robben from the left.

Both having advanced to the World Cup knockout stage, the Netherlands and Chile went head-to-head for Group B winners and the Dutchmen smiled in the end.

In the other Group B match having only honor to fight for, dedending champions Spain defeated Australia 3-0 to end the trip in Brazil, which shouldn't have been so short.

David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata scored for the winner of the last World Cup. Villa was selected as the Man of the Match.

It was a dominating match for Spain, who spent 56 percent of the match time keeping the ball in possession.

Spain finished third with the three points they got from Monday's match, following the nine-point Netherland and six-point Chile.

"This Spanish team has a bright future no matter who will become the next coach," said Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque, who would need a negotiation with Spanish Football Federation to decide whether to remain on the coaching place.

"There are plenty of young talents in the team."

The Australians finished their first pointless World Cup, but the performance of the veteran duo Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano was impressive enough for TVs and newspapers.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter