The last time Brazil and Mexico met up in a big tournament was in the 2013 Confederations Cup, one which Brazil hosted. That is where we saw a struggling Mexican team under Coach De La Torre, along with a loss to Brazil 2-0. Before that, we saw them meet up in the Olympic Games in London, where Mexico beat Brazil 2-1 in a very good-looking match.
A year after the Confederations Cup, we witnessed Mexico get seeded in Group A along with Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon. We saw two teams that wanted the 3 points to secure a spot in the next round of the World Cup, A Mexican team that looked stronger in the second half of the game and made so many opportunities to score and take the lead, a Mexican team that defended very well in the box, a Mexican team that wanted to shut out the press about how they wouldn’t have a chance against Brazil, a Mexican team that had no other than Memo Ochoa. But we also saw a Brazilian team that had so many opportunities as well to secure the 3 points, a Brazilian team that attacked very well the whole game but were stopped by Ochoa. A Brazilian team that also struggled in some spots but what a heck of a game it was.
The first half kicked off and we saw Mexico control the game for the first 10 minutes of the game with some chances by Hector Herrera but the rest of the game was Brazil.
Neymar had a chance to get Brazil the lead with a header, but Memo Ochoa flew to the defense and got the ball out of the box before it crossed the goal line. There were other chances by Marcelo but again, Ochoa was just too good and unstoppable at the box. We saw both teams go into the lockers at a 0-0 draw and a game that looked like Brazil was in control of.
As the second half came into play, we saw Mexico come out better and stronger and having more chances and being the better team in the second half. Mexico had many opportunities to score as well but Julio Cesar was the hero for Brazil in the second half. There were shots by Raul Jimenez and Andres Guardado that would have been goals if it weren’t for Julio Cesar saving the ball from going into the net. Brazil also had some chances but the big one was on a free kick given to Brazil thanks to Pauhlino, who then crossed the ball to the box. Thiago Silva was five yards from scoring but was met by the brick wall that was Memo Ochoa, who proved that he was the starting keeper that Mexico needed over Jose de Jesus Corona.
Today, Mexico proved themselves that they aren’t afraid of anyone and that they will fight until the end, no matter what team they face and we saw that today against Brazil. Mexico played some great defense, the mid was quiet and the attackers had some chances but at the end, it stayed scoreless and both teams secured 1 point. This means Brazil and Mexico have 4 points each after two games and sit at the top of the table, but the Selecao leads by goal differential. But it wouldn’t have been without the help of Memo Ochoa, who was the Man of the Match with 6 saves that ties him with the most in the World Cup this year.
In order for Mexico to secure a first place spot, they will have to beat Croatia and outscore them by a +2 margin, while Brazil either ties or loses to Cameroon or only beats them by one goal. Brazil wins the group with a win and a Mexico tie or loss.
Group A will be a tough one to figure out on who is getting first place but coming Monday we will see who is the better team and will be advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Brazil will face Cameroon at 4PM ET/1 PM PT next Monday and at the same time we will see Mexico face Croatia.