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Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho reach the World Cup quarter-finals with Brazil

By Benjamin Barkworth

SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Hirving Lozano of Mexico is surrounded by Philippe Coutinho, Paulinho, Miranda and Filipe Luis of Brazil during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Brazil and Mexico at Samara Arena on July 2, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA - JULY 02: Hirving Lozano of Mexico is surrounded by Philippe Coutinho, Paulinho, Miranda and Filipe Luis of Brazil during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Brazil and Mexico at Samara Arena on July 2, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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The two Brazilians were part of a convincing win which ensures they play Belgium for a spot in the semi-finals.

Both players had a relatively quiet performance as Willian and Neymar took centre stage. Selecao managed the game effectively as Mexico’s energy-intensive approach caused gaps to open as the match went on.

El Tri were poor especially considering how they pulled apart World Champions Germany in the group stages. However, Brazil rarely looked threatened even though they didn’t control the midfield.

Mexico struggled to break down Brazil when they were sat deep and they couldn’t use their rapid transitions. They started strongly with a few opportunities in this regard, but Brazil settled well. Having a midfield of Casemiro and Paulinho ensured they were able to break up play effectively. The experienced duo of Miranda and Thiago Silva were also able to deal with any issues that came their way.

This side has an excellent balance of defensive organisation and attacking flair. Tite deserves credit for all of this because he has revitalised the team after the last World Cup humiliation and the disappointing Copa Americas. They have a strong chance of claiming their sixth World Cup and their first since 2002.

The Round of Sixteen curse continues for Mexico because this is the seventh consecutive time they have gone out at this stage of the competition. They were never likely to beat Brazil who are the strongest team left in the competition. However, they only have themselves to blame because a draw against Sweden would have led to them finishing top of their group and they would have the much easier task of facing Switzerland.

The Front Four

Coutinho plays in front of the other two midfielders when Brazil are in their attacking shape, so they have a front four. Paulinho will also make driving runs from deep depending on the scenario such as his goal against Serbia. Gabriel Jesus occupied the centre-backs and he ran into the space that opened up to finish Coutinho’s cross.

The 25-year-old scored key goals against Switzerland and Costa Rica to drag his team through the competition. Neymar took centre attention in this match, though, with Willian being a good supporting actor. This combination was clear to see in the first goal. Neymar backheeled the ball to the Chelsea winger on the edge of the box; he promptly drove into the box before firing a low cross, which Neymar got on to the end of after continuing his run from the initial pass.

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All of the attacking players were involved in the first goal as they moved in sync to keep the defence occupied. It was an excellent team goal to pull Brazil ahead in the second half. They used this as a platform to manage the game and wait for openings to appear as Mexico tried to force the issue.

The second goal was an example of this as Fernandinho intercepted a stray pass before quickly releasing Neymar. The PSG winger drove into space which took him all the way into box, and his tame shot was diverted into the path of Roberto Firmino by Guillermo Ochoa.

Coutinho had a relatively quiet day, but he was still an effective part of their attacking play. Brazil are lucky to have him and Neymar because they are decisive players who can step up in key moments.

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This match turned out to be a relatively straightforward task especially considering the amount of shocks so far in the tournament. However, they will have to be at their best against an exciting Belgian side who survived a shock of their own against Japan.