Two goals from Neymar helped Brazil to a 4-1 win over Cameroon and set up a last-16 clash with Chile.
The forward exposed a vulnerable defence with glee in Brasilia on Monday, his first-half double sandwiching Joel Matip’s unlikely leveller.
Brazil ultimately progressed with a degree of comfort, as the much-maligned Fred and substitute Fernandinho added further goals after the interval to secure a last-16 tie against fellow South Americans Chile.
Mexico were victorious against Croatia in Group A’s other closing fixture, but failed to make up a goal-difference deficit as the hosts retained top spot.
While a routine triumph in which Brazil’s star man took his tournament tally to four goals will provide comfort, Luiz Felipe Scolari is unlikely to partake in too much backslapping.
Indeed, after coming through a group featuring no other major footballing powerhouse, Scolari is likely to demand more of his side as they prepare to face a Chile outfit that have impressed in the tournament to date.
The game immediately took on a frenetic nature as Paulinho and Vincent Aboubakar had goal-bound efforts blocked at either end.
It was Cameroon’s susceptible backline that was first to be breached when Neymar, inexplicably unmarked, cleverly turned home Luiz Gustavo’s low cross from the left.
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