World Cup 2018 news LIVE: Reaction to Brazil vs Mexico…

World Cup 2018 news LIVE: Reaction to Brazil vs Mexico and Spain's penalty shootout exit

The 2018 World Cup is well underway in Russia.

It’s day 18 and the third batch of last-16 fixtures take place after an action-packed Sunday, which saw not one but two penalty shootouts decide the sides that will compete in the third quarter-final. Russia pulled off the shock of the tournament as they sent Spain crashing out, before Croatia just about held their nerve to eliminate Denmark.

Today’s action features five-time world champions Brazil as they take on Mexico in the day’s early kick-off in Samara, with Belgium and Japan playing out the evening match in Rostov-on-Don, with the winners due to meet each other in the second quarter-final at the end of the week.

We will have all the latest news, views, pictures and video direct from Russia throughout the day as we pick up the pace at the biggest football tournament in the world.

Live Updates

17:14

Don't forget - follow all of this evening's action live here at the Independent:

It's Belgium v Japan. Get your predictions in!

Have a good evening, folks.

Belgium vs Japan - LIVE: Latest updates from Rostov

17:13

For now though, as Day 19 reaches its close, what have we learnt?

Well, Brazil are the fifth team to have qualified for the World Cup quarter finals and will face the winners of Belgium v Japan at 7pm.

Here are five things we learned from their victory against Mexico.

And if you want to see player ratings from this afternoon's clash check here:

Meanwhile, here's your full report of their victory:

Neymar steps up to lead Tite's men into the quarter-finals, scouting report

17:05

Meanwhile, if you're still upset that Brazil's main South American rivals Argentina crashed out of the World Cup read Ed Malyon's long-read piece on exactly what is wrong at the top of the Argentinian game.

Why Argentina's road to World Cup failure is long and complicated

16:53

FULL TIME: BRAZIL 2-0 MEXICO

16:51

Brazil are 2-0 up. 90 seconds to go.

It would appear the yellows are on their way into the last 8 where they will face the winners of this evening's game between Belgium and Japan.

16:38

Gareth Southgate has been talking since England have touched down in Moscow ahead of their clash against Colombia tomorrow evening and he's in good spirits.

Even making jokes about Fabian Delph who's flown home for the birth of his third child.

16:31

We've got a range of writers on this years World Cup but how often do you hear from Russell Brand on football?

Well, here's your chance to do so!