Brazil failed to carry on the momentum they gained from their 3-1 victory in the opening match of the tournament, running out a scoreless draw against Mexico.
Ochoa is the obvious choice for man of the match, pulling off a string of mind-boggling reflex saves and suggesting a flurry of chances for Brazil. But that only tells part of the story; while Neymar was lively and involved in most of his side’s chances, the likes of Fred, Oscar and Ramires were anonymous and the Selecao disappointing overall.
Mexico had plenty of their own chances and exhibited a unity and spirit that could see them go deeper into the competition than many expected.
FINAL SCORE:
Brazil 0
Mexico 0
Can a confident Mexico spring an upset against tournament favourites Brazil? Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5:00am AEST.
Both teams obtained three points in their opening Group A matches despite having varying degrees of luck in terms of refereeing.
Brazil were awarded a dubious penalty to help them see off Croatia, while 1-0 was not a fair reflection of Mexico’s all-action performance against Cameroon, with two legitimate goals being disallowed for offside.
Talk of team news has orbited around Brazil’s powerful attacker Hulk, who had to leave the field at training after feeling pain in his left leg.
Team boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has indicated he will wait to give Hulk a late fitness test, with the Zenit St. Petersburg star still hopeful of pulling through. Should he not, Big Phil is certainly not short on options with Ramires, Bernard and Willian the favourites to come in.
Mexico are expected to remain unchanged, although they can expect a very different test than what was offered by a sluggish Cameroon.
Of particular note was how high up the field the wing-backs Paul Aguilar and Miguel Layun ventured. The pair provided plenty of thrust down the sides with some good deliveries into the box, but will need to be more mindful against Neymar, and El Tri’s defence in general.
Giovanni Dos Santos could have had two goals in a man of the match display against Cameroon, while Oribe Peralta continued his impressive scoring record for Mexico. These are the players Brazil will be most worried about, with Chicharito Hernandez likely to start among the substitutes again.
Despite Brazil having had the better of Mexico head to head, El Tri have shown they can rise to the big occasion against the Seleção, beating them 4-3 in the 1999 Confederations Cup final and 2-0 at the 2012 Olympics.
Brazil’s wealth of talent and home support are likely to see them through, but don’t expect Mexico to sit back in what should be an entertaining affair.
Prediction: Brazil 4-2
Professor Rosseforp
Guest
Another fantastic match, and another sign that even Brazil is vulnerable!
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Mexico has just stolen a march on Croatia in progressing. Similar to 2006, win or draw against Cameroon, they will need to defeat Mexico in the final group game to progress.
Chad Smith
Guest
the voice over in these are terrible, stop start with the worst voice tone. Please fix it is unbearable to watch
muzoora robery
Guest
mexicans have gained comfidence out of this and may lead the groupstage
Johnno
Guest
The now head coach of Mexico at the World Cup won the Olympic gold medal at London 2012 as head coach of the Mexican under-23's team. All Whites had no chance last year.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
nil-all a great result for Mexico great game from Ochoa maybe we see a chink in Brazil's armour on home soil?
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
FT: Ochoa is the obvious choice for man of the match, pulling off a string of mind-boggling reflex saves and suggesting a flurry of chances for Brazil. But that only tells part of the story; while Neymar was lively and involved in most of his side’s chances, the likes of Fred, Oscar and Ramires were anonymous and the Selecao disappointing overall. Mexico had plenty of their own chances and exhibited a unity and spirit that could see them go deeper into the competition than many expected. What did we think of that one? Brazil 0 Mexico 0
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Cesar has had to make a couple of saves the last couple of minutes
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
90' Jimenez forces a save from Cesar! Brazil 0 Mexico 0
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
86' Thiago Silva looked certain to score with a free header from a few yards out but Ochoa somehow keeps it out AGAIN! He must be starting to believe it's his and Mexico's day Brazil 0 Mexico 0
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Gustavo wins the free to far away from the left corner flag Neymar will takes it Ochoa with another save!!!!
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
85' Mexico substitution: Dos Santos OFF Jimenez ON Brazil substitution: Oscar OFF Willian ON Brazil 0 Mexico 0
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Dos Santos off Oscar off
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Silva cops yellow for ploughing through Hernandez then goes off at his compatriots for allowing that scenario to evolve the free is at the top of the D, dos Santos puts it into the wall
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
80' Mexico on the counter and Thiago Silva chops down Chicharito on the edge of the D. Yellow card Brazil 0 Mexico 0
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
79' Not long remaining now and Brazil have regained the overall ascendancy. Can they translate it into a winner? Brazil 0 Mexico 0
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Hernandez is a 3rd generation WC player for Mexico
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
76' Mexico substitution: Herrera OFF Fabian ON Brazil 0 Mexico 0
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Herrera off Fabian on
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
76' Jo lets Bernard's pass run across his body and tries a shot from a tight angle that misses by a fair margin Brazil 0 Mexico 0