Brazil, Netherlands claim top spots in World Cup group deciders

Neymar scored twice as Brazil thrashed Cameroon 4-1 to reach the World Cup knockout rounds just ahead of group rivals Mexico on June 23.

A thrilling finale to Group A saw the hosts surge past Cameroon in Brasilia while Mexico downed Croatia 3-1 in Recife. The Netherlands beat Chile 2-0 to take top spot in Group B.

Brazil finished top of their group on seven points, leading Mexico, also with seven, on goal difference.

Brazil will play Group B runners-up Chile in Belo Horizonte on June 28 while Mexico will face the Netherlands in Fortaleza on June 29.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he was pleased his side had shown signs of improvement -- but admitted he would have preferred to have avoided Chile.

"I feel good now that we have qualified and I am thinking about my team. I know that they are going to keep improving," said Scolari. "I have played against Chile two times before and I know how difficult a side they are. Some people think we will beat Chile easily but they are a quality side, well organised.

"If I could have chosen our opponents I would not have chosen them." Star striker Neymar opened the scoring in the 17th minute - the 100th goal of the tournament in Brazil's 100th World Cup match - to set the hosts on their way.

A close-range effort by Cameroon's Joel Matip jolted Brazil on 26 minutes before Neymar settled nerves again with his second of the match nine minutes later.

Brazil stretched their lead through Fred after the interval and looked to be cruising to first place. But a flurry of three Mexico goals in 10 minutes from Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez against Croatia changed the complexion of the qualifying picture.  With Mexico rampant and leading 3-0, one...