WORLD CUP 2018: Neymar 'rises from ashes' to take Brazil into the quarter-finals

'One goal, one assist and one dive'. This is what Neymar had achieved from Brazil's first three matches at the World Cup 2018. Billed as one of the starts of the tournament, the 26-year-old was struggling to create impact.

He was being ridiculed on social media, so much that his father had to come out in his support. He broke down in tears following his side's 2-0 win over Costa Rica. It seemed everything was going against the Brazilian superstar.

But there is a famous saying, "Come the big match, comes the big player." And this phrase was backed by Neymar, who stepped up big time against Mexico in the round of 16.

The No.10 returned to his influential self, scoring one and assisting another as Brazil beat their rivals 2-0. It wasn't an easy match, and Mexico were no walkovers. In fact, many backed Mexico to stun the five-time champions.

For the first 20 minutes in the match, it seemed a shock was on the cards, with Mexico dominating ball and chances. But once Brazil got going, there was no stopping them and Neymar.

Playing on the left side, Neymar was constantly attacking Mexico's right full back Edson Álvarez with his scintillating skills. He would either cut in to his right foot, or go wide and use his pace to break into the box.

READ: WORLD CUP 2018: 'Slow', 'Boring' Spain Knocked Out By Gritty Russia

Somehow, Mexico managed to keep Neymar and Brazil quiet in terms of scoring in the first half. But as soon as the second half started, Brazil ran riot.

Willian was the best player in the match in the first half, constantly attacking the Mexico defense with his pacey runs. And in the 51st minute, he produced a moment of magic which led to the first goal.

Neymar cut inside from the left, before back heeling the ball to Willian. The Chelsea man showed great pace and got in the box, before putting the ball on plate for Neymar, who tapped in an empty net.

From that moment, Brazil dominated the match, and could easily have gone 3 or 4 up if not for Ochoa's brilliant goalkeeping. There was always the fear of opposition hitting back when there is just a one goal lead. But in Brazil's case, they were so dominant that Mexico never seemed like scoring.

READ: WORLD CUP 2018: Vladimir Putin Becomes Centre Of Attraction On Twitter After Russia's Win Over Spain

And in the stoppage time, the five-time champions confirmed their place into the quarter-finals. Fernandinho, who came in as a substitute, got the ball in his own half and marauded into the opposition half before playing the ball to Neymar.

The No.10 was free on the left side and made his way into the box. He had a chance to try his luck, but instead, he picked out Firmino with a delightful square pass. The Liverpool striker then put the ball in the empty net to double the lead.

Well, it was an easy win for Brazil in the end, and a positive sign heading into the tournament. Neymar finally arrived in the tournament after nearly 300 minutes of action, but importantly for the five-time champions, he looks fresh and positive.