Sports World Cup update: Brazil reliant on Neymar's goals; Mexico leaves it late to finish second

[Chris Maduewesi]

Brazil with the artistry of their star player Neymar,cemented top spot of group A after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Cameroon in their final group of the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil.

The host country with that victory in the city of Brasilia withstood a late challenge for the top spot from Mexico who also comfortably won their own game against Croatia 3-1, which was played simultaneously with that of Brazil.

Having nothing to play for,the African team was there for the taking by Brazil,and losing their first two games it was expected that the third game would follow the same pattern.

Brazil attacked the Indomitable Lions right from the start of the game with the glaring intent it,while the Africans had a tough time settling in the game.

Neymar sent the stadium into wild raptures with his opening goal,being right on hand to side-foot a Luiz Gustavo's cross.

Cameroon however recovered and shocked the home crowd with an equaliser not long after the home team found the net.

A woeful defending from Dani Alves saw the Barcelona player losing his man who squared the ball through Thiago Silva and David Luiz,only for Joel Matip to tap in from close range.

Neymar came to the rescue again,cutting in from the left and firing in a low shot that restored their lead.

Two second half goals from Fred and substitute Fernandinho increased Brazil's goals tally which ensured that they remained top of the group.

Meanwhile,Mexico left it late to almost snatch top spot from Brazil with the goals they scored coming in the last 15 minutes in their 3-1 victory over Croatia.

Both teams had a chance of making it to second spot,with Croatia needing an outright win in the match.

However goals from Rafael Marquez,Guardado and Javier Hernandez put paid to that aim.

Ivan Perisic added a late consolation in the 87th minute but there was no time for them to effect any changes in the standing.

By virtue of their finishes,Brazil having topped the group will now play Chile in the next round while Holland will take on Mexico.