Brazil will be favored when they kick off this evening's round of 16 action against Mexico in Samara. And with the likes of Spain, Portugal, neighbors Argentina, and reigning titleholders Germany already eliminated, the five time champions are gaining traction as a likely pick to go all the way, and lift the World Cup for a record extending sixth time. Damion Jones has more. 

Brazil's mission against Mexico is simple. Win the game obviously, but also advance to the World Cup's round of eight for the seventh time in a row, and keep working to erase the memory of their 7-1 loss to Germany in the semi-finals at home four years ago. For many of the Selecao's fans, that can only be done by claiming a sixth championship, but the next step is to avoid bowing out in the last 16 for the first time since 1990. The South Americans topped Group E by following a 1-1 draw versus Switzerland, with 2-0 victories over Costa Rica, and Serbia. That left self-improvement as their primary focus.

TITE BRAZIL COACH "I want to talk about my expectations as the manager. I hope that my team will replicate their standard of play from the last match. That is the kind of challenge we have, and I am not going to run away from my responsibilities. We need to repeat that kind of performance tactically, physically, and emotionally -- because this will be a decisive game, but I am not going to talk about any tactical plans I might make for the contest."

Mexico's aggressive attacking style has been the key to the team's progression out of Group F, and that is not expected to change with Brazil on the other side of the pitch. El Tri have reached the quarter-finals on two occasions, 1970 and most recently 1986, but have been bounced out in the round of 16 since then six times in a row. The North Americans started this year's tournament in Russia with a 1-0 upset of titleholders Germany, and then edged South Korea 2-1, before a 3-0 setback against Sweden placed them second in their pool, and reiterating their desire for a legit shake, against the squad boasting superstar forward Neymar.

JUAN CARLOS OSORIO MEXICO COACH "I just hope for the benefit of the game and fair play there will be a good official in charge tomorrow. I'm not going to start discriminating or criticizing anybody. I think he (Neymar) is a top player, and hopefully tomorrow the referee will be in charge, and hopefully it will be a fair game."

History shows Brazil boasting three wins and one draw in matches against Mexico at past World Cups, but as the 21st edition of the competition has been showing, previous results don't seem to be all that meaningful anymore. Damion Jones, CGTN.