The Chelsea midfielder skippered his side to a 4-1 victory in La Plata, netting the second and fourth goals for the Selecao as they became the latest side to book their place in the last eight along with USA, Colombia and Israel.

Santos shone for Brazil, who were reduced to 10 men after a red card to Robert Renan on the stroke of half-time, and deservedly landed the Player of the Match award.

Brazil dominated this Round of 16 tie from the off and were awarded a penalty after 11 minutes, with Marcos Leonardo coolly slotting home to break the deadlock.

Santos then showed his quality by doubling Brazil’s lead just after the half-hour mark, with a fine low drive from just inside the area. The midfielder joined in the attack and then arrowed an effort into the bottom corner.

Despite Renan’s red card, Brazil were still in control after the break and looked on course for a comfortable 2-0 victory until three further goals were scored in injury time.

First Watford loanee Mattheus Martins added a third a minute into injury time before Santos grabbed his second and Brazil’s fourth nine minutes later.

Tunisia were caught on the counter, with a fine through ball picking out the run of the Chelsea midfielder and he showed great power and determination to race clear of his marker, before driving into the box and slamming the ball into the top corner to make it 4-0.

The game was won, but the scoring wasn’t finished there. Tunisia grabbed a consolation in the 13th minute of injury time, with Mahmoud Ghorbel on target.

The victory sees Brazil into the last eight, where they will meet Israel on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals.