Firmino helps fire Brazil into World Cup quarterfinals

Roberto Firmino opened his World Cup account with a late goal off the bench as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 to progress to the last eight.

Gabriel Jesus was handed another start ahead of the Liverpool man, but Firmino was given a late chance to impress when he replaced former club team-mate Philippe Coutinho five minutes from time.

And the 26-year-old made his mark just two minutes later, tapping home the goal that sealed the victory after Neymar had surged through and seen his shot saved by Guillermo Ochoa.

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With Manchester City’s Jesus yet to find the net, manager Tite may consider changing his line-up as Brazil reach the business end of the competition.

Firmino’s successful cameo led to renewed calls on social media for the charismatic striker to be promoted to the top of the pecking order.

Gabriel Jesus:

• 4 starts
• 362 minutes played
• 0 goals

Roberto Firmino:

• 0 starts
• 61 minutes played
• 1 goal

Nothing but respect for my Brazilian. pic.twitter.com/ZvhU8jkFYW

— Zac (@LFCZac) July 2, 2018

Firmino > Jesus. But you already knew that.

— Martin Turner (@Turner_LFC) July 2, 2018

Firmino doing more in a few minutes than Gabriel Jesus has done throughout this whole World Cup.

— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) July 2, 2018

Super sub Firmino wraps up victory. Brazil would be a much better team with him in from the start

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 2, 2018

A quarterfinal meeting with Belgium awaits for Firmino & Co provided the Red Devils do not slip up against Japan on Monday evening.

Both Firmino and Dejan Lovren, who has impressed on Croatia’s run to the last eight, may well have their eyes on the ultimate prize.

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Source: anfieldhq.com