World Cup 2018: Brazil vs Mexico, 5 players to watch out for

The Round of 16 stage of the 2018 World Cup started with a bang. We have already seen some exciting games so far. With Argentina and Portugal already knocked out of the competition, all eyes will be on Brazilian talisman Neymar when his side lock horns with Mexico on Monday in Samara Arena.

It promises to be yet another thrilling encounter between these two proud footballing nations. Brazil drew their opening game against Switzerland, but they got their campaign back on track in the very next game against Costa Rica with a 2-0 win. Brazil played exceedingly well in their last league match against Serbia and finished on top of their group.

On the other hand, Mexico shocked everyone as they defeated mighty Germany (1-0) in their opening game of the tournament and followed it up with another win against Korea. But Mexico stumbled against Sweden (3-0) in their last league game.

Brazil have a fantastic record against Mexico. But It won't be easy for them to topple Mexico on Monday. Osorio's side really need to play the game of their lives to create history. Mexico will look to hit Brazil on the counter with their tremendous pace. Brazil, on the other hand, will not give away possession easily. As they gear up to face each other in the crucial knockout match, let's focus on five players who could make a difference in this match.

Neymar (Brazil)

It will be a litmus test for Neymar against the fast-paced Mexicans. He hasn't performed that well so far in the tournament. Lack of match practice, due to an injury sustained in February, hampered his preparation leading into the World Cup. But Neymar has worked really hard to get himself fit for the mega event.

Neymar is a big match player. He thrives in challenging situations and is third in the all-time goalscorers' list for Brazil.

Casemiro (Brazil)

Casemiro will lead from the front in midfield

Casemiro brings much-needed balance in the midfield for Brazil. In the absence of Marcelo, who is out because of back spasms, Casemiro has to take more responsibility on Monday. Casemiro’s all-round ability in the midfield provides defensive solidity to Brazil.

He has a fantastic level of concentration. Tite will be hoping that Casemiro will be able to restrict the likes of Lozano and Hernandez so that Thiago Silva and Joao Miranda can play freely in front of the goal-keeper Alisson.

Philippe Coutinho (Brazil)

Coutinho would like to carry his superb form into the knockout stages

Barcelona’s star Coutinho has been a real star for Brazil in this tournament. He showcased a wide range of skills in all the matches that Brazil have played so far. Coutinho not only creates chances for his team-mates but at the same time has the ability to score goals when his team requires it the most.

He is lethal in dead ball situations. Coutinho has scored a couple of brilliant goals in the league stage of the competition and the Brazilian fans will be hoping that he replicates the same against Mexico.

Javier Hernandez (Mexico)

Hernandez will like to make his mark in the game on Monday

West Ham’s Hernandez is a key component of Osorio's side. He is Mexico's main man up front. Javier's combination play with Lozano will be key against Brazil. He is Mexico's top scorer having scored 50 goals in 104 appearances.

He would definitely like to add to his tally on Monday. Hernandez has already scored in the competition, which would give him a lot of confidence ahead of this crucial match.

Hirving Lozano (Mexico)

Watch out for his agility in the field

Lozano started his campaign with a terrific goal against Germany. He has all the qualities to deliver in a big game like this. Lozano is mainly a winger but can play the role of a midfielder as well. He has tremendous speed and can run tirelessly for the entire duration of a match. He is a vital cog in the Mexican wheel and has the ability to change the game at any point of time.

If Lozano can perform like the way he did against Germany then Mexico have a chance to upset Brazil.