Breakfast at Bebeto’s: All you need to know from the 12th night of World Cup action

The hosts cruised into the last 16 while Arjen Robben confirmed himself to be the tournament’s outstanding player to date.

On Day 12…

Brazil Soccer WCup Cameroon Brazil Brazil's Neymar runs past Cameroon's Joel Matip after scoring his side's first goal. Natacha Pisarenko Natacha Pisarenko

Brazil laboured for the opening half an hour before running at the lamentable Cameroon defence and profiting in goals. Neymar shone, once again, for the hosts and Fred hit back at the doubters [we're looking at you, 99% of Planet Earth] with a hirsute moustache and a dubious goal he will never give back. Fernandinho rounded out the scoring as Brazil topped the group.

Mexico claimed the runners-up spot in Group A after Rafael Marquez scored against Croatia minutes after his team were denied a stone-wall penalty. Andrés Guardado and Javier Hernandez sealed the deal before Ivan Perisic grabbed a late consolation.

Brazil Soccer WCup Australia Spain David Villa scores his last ever goal for Spain. Michael Sohn Michael Sohn

In Group B, Spain rounded off a disappointing tournament with an easy-does-it 3-0 win over an open and inviting Australian team. Socceroos goalkeeper Ryan Matthews was beaten thrice by the Spanish and soon-to-retire David Villa scored the pick of the bunch with a neat backheel.

Holland had just about everyone fooled as they sat back and played for a draw against Chile. Needing only a point to top the group, Louis van Gaal’s side seemed content to cancel out their South American opponents before deciding against it and slipping into attack mode. Goals from Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay kept up Holland’s 100% record.

Winner

Arjen Robben - The Dutch maestro turned from goalscorer to provider yesterday with an scintillating break down the left wing and a sublime cross to tee-up Memphis Depay for an easy tap-in. He is reproducing his club form on the world stage and could yet make up for the glorious chance he missed in the 2010 World Cup final.

Brazil Soccer WCup Netherlands Chile Memphis Depay, left, celebrates with Robben after scoring his side's second goal. Frank Augstein Frank Augstein

Loser(s)

Cameroon & Australia - The two teams share the dubious honour of returning from the World Cup with zero points.

Brazil Soccer WCup Cameroon Brazil Hey lads, camera is over here! Natacha Pisarenko Natacha Pisarenko

In truth, Australia made a bare-knuckled fist out of a treacherous Group B. Cameroon, on the other hand, arrived late, squabbled over bonuses and were a clear second in ever game they contested.

Joga Bonito

In letting the ball slide across him and side-footing home with his right, Neymar’s finish against Cameroon was Teddy Sheringham at his oft-times classy pomp.
https://vine.co/v/MtKILVUwlAr

He also executed this slick pass before Hulk hit someone in Row J.
https://vine.co/v/MtKYvKtHZ0n

What we’ve got to look forward to today

Italy look to recover from their shock 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica by defeating Uruguay in the winners-takes-qualification Group D clash [5pm kick-off].
Costa Rica can prove the doubters wrong for a third time by beating England in the group’s other 5pm match.
Colombia are winning hearts and a few million minds at this World Cup. They take on Japan from 9pm.
The Ivory Coast and Greece round out the 9pm action. Didier Drogba and his teammates are two points better off and should progress by avoiding defeat to the 2004 European champs.