Neymar led Brazil to a 2-0 defeat of Mexico to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Russia. After fending off a spirited Mexico in a scoreless first half, the Brazilians turned on the style in the second half to underline their status as favorites. Neymar opened the scoring in the 51st minute at Samara Arena before setting up substitute Roberto Firmino two minutes from stoppage time. Brazil will now meet the winners of Mondays later match between Belgium and Japan, but after seeing Argentina, Spain and Portugal eliminated in the last 16, Tites men will fancy their chances. "We have to learn to suffer and we did suffer, it was a tough match," said Neymar. "We knew they were a high-quality opponent." Mexico made a bright start in their attempt to beat Brazil in a World Cup match for the first time. But after dominating the first 20 minutes of an entertaining opening period, Brazil came back into the match, bossing the final stages of the half. The match had been billed as a duel between Neymar and Javier Hernandez, but the West Ham striker was more noticeable for his platinum-dyed blond hair, a choice also made by central defender Carlos Salcedo, before being replaced in the second half. Impressive goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa kept Mexico in touch with good saves from Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Paulinho but though the Central Americans worked tirelessly, and showed a real willingness to attack, they struggled to create any clear chances as their second-round curse struck again. Mexico threatened at times but their World Cup challenge was ended at the first knockout stage for the seventh consecutive tournament.