Brazil through, Mexico, too

There was a jubilant atmosphere in Brasilia on Monday, as the national side looked to top Group A with a 100 percent record.

The crowd's expectations were answered on 17 minutes when Luiz Gustavo stole the ball from Cameroon's Benjamin Moukandjo and put it in for Neymar to backheel perfectly.

Cameroon, though, were determined to be party poopers and equalized in the 26th minute, tapping in a cross from Joel Matip.

While Brazil looked deadly going forward, they remained decidedly creaky at the back. Cameroon, especially threatening from set pieces, looked like they might even sneak a lead.

Neymar had different ideas, though, as he took advantage of a defensive mistake on 34 minutes to run into space - firing the ball straight into the bottom corner.

Ahead of the break, Brazil came close with what would have been one of the goals of the tournament - a series of deft one-touch passing notably involving Neymar setting up Hulk, whose hopeless shot was deflected behind.

Brazil went in at half time with the game far from secure at 2-1, but looked a little safer soon after coming out for the second half.

Hosts build up lead

The South Americans built up their cushion having come out firing on all cylinders. A superb cross from David Luiz found Fred, who nodded it away. The Fluminense player - whose effectiveness has come under question lately - would perhaps not have been too concerned that his goal was certainly offside.

Fernandinho added to the Brazilian tally on 84 minutes, poking home the ball after a run down the left, thanks to a deft pass from Oscar.

The win means the hosts finish top of Group A and they will meet Group B runners-up Chile. Mexico meet winners the Netherlands on June 28.

Mexico overcome creaky Croats

The match in Recife was a goalless affair right up until the 72nd minute, with Croatia looking increasingly shaky as the night wore on.

While Croatia had enjoyed a good share of possession, they were repeatedly denied by Mexico's organized defense, as well as the antics of much-vaunted goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Rafael Marquez eventually broke the deadlock, powering home a corner from Porto's Hector Herrera, and Mexico went on to ravage their European opponents.

Soon after, a swift Mexican counterattack was finished by Andres Guardado, who left-footed the ball into the top left as he met the cross from Oribe Peralta.

Any lingering Croatian hopes were dashed in the 82nd minute as Javier Hernandez, on for the last quarter of the game, added to his claim for a place in Mexico's starting line-up. Another Herrera corner was flicked on by Hector Moreno for the Manchester United striker to head home.

Croatia - who would have gone through with a win - did bag a consolation goal thanks to Wolfsburg's Ivan Perisic, who had squandered a chance early in the match. However, there was another low point in store for the Balkan side, when Fiorentina's Ante Rebic saw red for a studs-up challenge on Carlos Pena just a minute from time.

By now though, Mexico had already done enough to progress as runners up, meaning they meet the Netherlands in the Round of 16 on June 29.