Brazil have qualified for the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup thanks to a 2-0 victory over Mexico.

It was Barcelona-bound forward Neymar who produced the magic that helped a laboured Selecao outfit to victory at the Castelao.

Despite playing some wonderful football in the opening 20 minutes, Luiz Felipe Scolari's men could only find the net once, thanks to his Neymar's ninth-minute volley.

Having weathered the early storm, Mexico - still finding it difficult to break defensive ranks - managed to get into half time trailing by one.

Brazil threatened early in the second half through Hulk, but the Zenit St Petersburg forward could not find Jose de Jesus Corona's bottom corner.

Jose Manuel de la Torre's side saw more of the ball in the opposition's territory in the second half, although chances were scarce.

A big one fell to Andres Guardado with six minutes remaining, but David Luiz got the vital block on a dangerous low ball from second-half substitute Pablo Barrera.

Neymar helped wrap the points up in injury time, dazzling the Mexican defence with speedy footwork before setting up Jo for a tap in.

Written by
Michael Penkman