Brazil, Holland win to avoid a knockout clash

Brazil and Netherlands avoid each other in the knockout stage as they defeat Cameroon and Chile respectively to top their groups.

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Video highlights here: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186472/index.html

Neymar powers Brazil into World Cup last 16

BRASILIA, Brazil, AFP – Neymar demonstrated his importance to Brazil with a brace as the World Cup hosts beat Cameroon 4-1 at the National Stadium on Monday to secure top spot in Group A and a last-16 tie against Chile.

The Barcelona forward scored the tournament's 100th goal in Brazil's 100th World Cup finals match to put the hosts ahead and restored their lead before the interval after Joel Matip had equalised for already-eliminated Cameroon.

Fred got Brazil's third early in the second half with substitute Fernandinho adding a late fourth to the delight of the mass ranks of Brazil fans in Brasilia.

Brazil's win, combined with Mexico's 3-1 victory against Croatia in the other Group A game in Recife, ensured that they progress as group winners, ahead of Mexico on goal difference.

The opening goal came as a huge release for Brazil and their fans in the crowd of over 69,000. Neymar coolly sidefooted a low Luiz Gustavo cross first time into the net.

However, the goal owed as much to the industry and craft of Luiz Gustavo, who did superbly to rob possession from Benjamin Moukandjo on the left before delivering a pinpoint ball.

It was the first time in the tournament that Scolari's side had scored the first goal of a game, and both Neymar and Fred came close to increasing their advantage, the latter lunging desperately to connect with a Paulinho cross but unable to scramble the ball home.

Cameroon silenced the home fans when they drew level in the 26th minute.

Allan Nyom got away from Dani Alves on the left and delivered a low ball that evaded Thiago Silva and David Luiz to give Matip the easiest of finishes, the Schalke player getting Cameroon's first goal at this World Cup.

Brazil did not panic, and Neymar again intervened to restore their lead in the 34th minute.

When Nyom's headed clearance was returned by Marcelo, the Barcelona player collected the ball, cut inside before sending in a low shot from the edge of the area that passed underneath Nicolas Nkoulou and went right through Charles Itandje in goal.

Scolari replaced Paulinho at the interval, sending on Fernandinho. The Manchester City midfielder had an immediate impact, helping Brazil open up a two-goal cushion four minutes into the second period.

His pass released David Luiz on the left-hand edge of the area and the latter's centre was headed into a gaping goal from four yards by the grateful Fred, who scored his first goal of the finals.

The striker may just have been in an offside position when the cross came in, but the Swedish assistant referee did not raise his flag, much to Cameroon's frustration and Fred's relief.

Neymar was withdrawn for the closing stages and watched as Fernandinho poked home the fourth goal in the 84th minute, having combined superbly with Fred and Oscar after Cameroon lost possession in their half.

Video highlights here: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186470/index.html

Super-subs sink Chile as Dutch top group

SAO PAULO, Brazil, AFP – Super-subs Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay sank Chile with two late goals Monday as the Netherlands won 2-0 to top World Cup Group B and avoid a clash with Brazil.

Fer's first international goal on 77 minutes and Depay's strike in injury time brought a rousing finish to a cautious game between two sides who had already reached the knock-outs.

In a match of few chances, Fer buried a strong header with just his second touch after coming on and Depay slid in to meet a raking cross from man-of-the-match Arjen Robben.

"The most clever team won the game," said Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, although he dismissed his goal-scoring substitutions as "luck".

The Netherlands and Chile were level on points before their game in Sao Paulo but top place was crucial to hopes of avoiding Brazil, who have now won Group A, in the last 16.

"We did everything possible but the Netherlands imposed their play on our attackers through their defence. We need to polish a few things," said Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli.

Just two minutes after coming on, 24-year-old Norwich City midfielder Fer met Daryl Janmaat's high cross from the right with a huge leap and planted an unstoppable header inside the post.

Chile pressed for the equaliser but as they pushed forward, Robben galloped into space on the left and his cross from near the byline was met by the sliding Depay to make sure of an ultimately deserved win.

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