Thiago Silva has backed Neymar to follow in the footsteps of Paris St Germain team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani by shining in the World Cup knockout stages.
Brazil forward Neymar came into the tournament lacking fitness following a foot injury and scored once during three group games.
Fellow PSG players Mbappe and Cavani were instrumental in their countries reaching the quarter-finals on Saturday, each scoring twice as France knocked out Argentina and Uruguay saw off Portugal.
And defender Silva, who plays with all three players in Paris, believes Neymar could replicate the exploits of France forward Mbappe and Uruguay striker Cavani.
“Yesterday, when the (France and Uruguay) games were over, I thought the same thing, that Neymar will have his way in our match,” said Silva at Brazil’s pre-match press conference.
Acertando os últimos detalhes antes da decisão de amanhã! A #SeleçãoBrasileira reconheceu hoje o estádio que receberá Brasil x México. Bora, galera! #GigantesPorNatureza #Copa2018
Fotos: Lucas Figueiredo/CBF pic.twitter.com/MD1MPiDlX6
— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) July 1, 2018
“They (Mbappe and Cavani) were both fundamental for the victories.
“I think Paris St Germain is very well represented (at the World Cup), but now we are talking about the Brazilian national team and I think our team is very balanced.
“In the right moments, we have the right freedom for the strikers to do what they do best.
#URU WIN!
Two goals from @ECavaniOfficial means that it is @Uruguay that will face #FRA in Friday’s quarter-final in Nizhny Novgorod!#URUPOR pic.twitter.com/JA1dcK4ghM
— FIFA World Cup ? (@FIFAWorldCup) June 30, 2018
“We hope tomorrow is going to be a great and Neymar is inspired as well as the other players.”
Left-back Marcelo will be absent for the five-time champions in Samara after he was forced off injured in the final group game against Serbia, with Felipe Luis set to deputise.
Coach Tite was impressed with how Neymar performed against the Serbians as the player continues his recovery from foot surgery.
“He did everything we asked tactically, defending the full-back, and looked for goal, to dribble and run with the ball.”
Mexico helped eliminate defending champions Germany in the group stages as they reached the last 16 for the seventh successive World Cup.
Touched down in Samara!! ??
We will be playing ?? this Monday in the Knockout Phase of the @FIFAWorldCup. ?⚽️#NadaNosDetiene | #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/7CEzN4uaza
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) June 30, 2018
They appeared on course to top Group F before a 3-0 defeat to Sweden in their third match left them in second place and facing a tough tie against Brazil.
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio described Brazil as the best team in the world, but insists his players will attack, despite the tricky draw.
“We won’t sit back and wait, Brazil’s attackers are too good for that to be the right plan,” said the Colombian.
“We will stick to our idea of having at least four or five attacking players.
We’re at Samara Arena ready for our last training session ahead of our match ???!#NadaNosDetiene | #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/fn5pI1C2cF
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) July 1, 2018
“I really think this is going to be a great opportunity for Mexican football to face, in the round of 16, the best team on the planet.
“And I think that we will have to play to to our full potential.
“It’s going to be a great game, especially for the neutrals.”
