World Cup.
(Image credit: Screenshot/Twitter/FOX Soccer)

Brazil, the favorite to win the 2018 World Cup, eliminated Mexico on Monday 2-0. It is the seventh straight World Cup in which Mexico survived the group stage only to be knocked out in the Round of 16, despite optimism following El Tri's stunning victory over perennial favorite Germany.

Brazil's star striker Neymar, who drew criticism for a theatrical, brief ankle injury in the 70th minute, put in his team's first goal in the 51st minute and provided an assist on its second, in the 88th minute.

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With its spot in the quarterfinals clinched, Brazil will play the winner of Monday afternoon's game between Japan and Belgium on Friday. "Not saying they'll win, but Brazil are the best team at the World Cup — and I'm not sure it's particularly close," tweeted The Ringer's Ryan O'Hanlon. Read a recap of the match at SB Nation.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.