World Cup 2014: Mexico and Brazil Play to a 0-0 Draw
Brazil and Mexico took a step toward the second round of the World Cup with a lively, though a bit sloppy, 0-0 draw in Fortaleza on Tuesday.
Brazil was the better team, as expected, managing eight shots on goal to Mexico's four. But though Neymar was his usual active self on offense, the team was let down by poor finishing by Fred and his substitute, Jo.
And Mexico benefited from a controlled and occasionally spectacular performance by its goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa.
Both teams now have 4 points after two games. That is a bit disappointing for the hosts, but delightful for Mexico, which had entered the Cup with low expectations after a poor qualifying campaign.
The two teams are in the driver's seat to advance to the next round, barring something remarkable from pointless Croatia or Cameroon.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
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26': Save, Save
Shot, Mexico! Luiz Gustavo arrives too late, allowing Hector Herrera to fire a rocket from just outside the box. Julio Cesar gets a hand on it to tip it over, though it was a riser and may have gone over anyway. Good moment for Mexico.
And now a save at the other end. A header by Neymar brings a diving effort from Ochoa. It's happening at both ends!
- Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa made a save against Brazil's Neymar during the first half of Tuesday's match. Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
STATS Brazil Mexico Shots (on goal) 14 (8) 13 (4) Fouls 13 18 Corner Kicks 4 3 Offsides 5 0 Possession 53% 47% Yellow Cards 2 2 Red Cards 0 0 Saves 2 6 WHAT'S AT STAKE
Both teams won their first games, so a win is not vital. Brazil will expect one nonetheless, while Mexico would be ecstatic with a draw.
GROUP A W L D GF GA Pts Brazil 1 0 1 3 1 4 Mexico 1 0 1 1 0 4 Cameroon 0 1 0 0 1 0 Croatia 0 1 0 1 3 0 -
STATS Brazil Mexico Shots (on goal) 14 (8) 13 (4) Fouls 13 18 Corner Kicks 4 3 Offsides 5 0 Possession 53% 47% Yellow Cards 2 2 Red Cards 0 0 Saves 2 6 -
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