World Cup 2018: Chicharito’s Mexico edged out by Brazil

Chicharito

Chicharito and Mexico suffered a 2-0 Round of 16 defeat at the hands of Brazil as their 2018 FIFA World Cup dream came to an end on Monday.

Second half goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino were enough to see off the challenge of El Tri and consign them to a second round exit for the seventh World Cup in succession.

West Ham United striker Chicharito started in Samara and Mexico impressed in a lively start to the game before Brazil started to press for an opener.

Both sides had their chances, but Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa was the busier of the two goalkeepers in a goalless opening period.

Five-time World Cup winners Brazil had to wait only five minutes of the second period to move in front, Neymar arriving on cue at the back post to finish Willian’s low cross.

As Mexico looked for a route back into the contest, they replaced Chicharito with Raul Jimenez on the hour, but Brazil remained on the front foot.

They secured victory two minutes from the end through Liverpool striker Firmino, who tapped home after Ochoa stopped Neymar’s goalbound prod with his foot.

The defeat brings to an end Chicharito’s third World Cup finals with Mexico, with the striker having scored at all three – 2010 in South Africa, 2014 Brazil and Russia this year