Neymar gives Brazil a 2-1 halftime lead over Cameroon in World Cup Group A match

Brazil's Neymar, second left, celebrates scoring the opening goal during the group A World Cup soccer match between Cameroon and Brazil at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) (The Associated Press)

Brazil's Neymar kicks the ball past Cameroon's Joel Matip to score his side's first goal during the group A World Cup soccer match between Cameroon and Brazil at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, June 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) (The Associated Press)

Neymar scored twice to give Brazil a 2-1 lead over Cameroon at halftime of their last Group A match on Monday.

Neymar scored on either side of Cameroon's goal in the 26th. He opened the scoring off a low cross by midfielder Luiz Gustavo in the 17th minute, deftly side-footing the ball into the net from close range, then restored the lead with a low right-foot strike from the top of the penalty area in the 35th after a pass by left back Marcelo.

Midfielder Joel Matip had equalized for Cameroon with a tap-in from inside the area after a cross by Allan Nyom.

Brazil needs at least a draw to advance to the second round, and a win should be enough to secure first place in the group. Mexico and Croatia were playing the other group match.