The hosts Brazil
starred in their second game, knowing victory would all but guarantee their
progression into the last 16 of the competition. A progression that is highly
expected. They faced fellow South Americans, Mexico in the Fortaleza cauldron.
It was an emotional affair, with Neymar breaking into tears during a rousing
rendition of the Brazil national anthem.
Brazil’s golden boy,
Neymar was involved in the thick of the action, sambaing around Mexican
defenders. He was also on the end of a few opportunities. Dani Alves found his
Barcelona team mate but Ochoa threw himself across the goal to produce a famous
save from Neymar’s goal bound header. It was a sign of things to come.
 |
| Mexican Goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa |
Brazil continued to
pepper the Mexicans goal but Ochoa, who is without a club having left French
club Ajaccio, was more than a match for efforts from Paulinho, Neymar and David
Luiz.
Mexico were not afraid
to attack either though. Peralta, Hector Herrea and Vazquez all came close.
Julio Cesar tipped one over the bar. Fred (yeah he was play) was soon replaced
by ex-Manchester City striker after having an absolutely dreadful game. “The
corner flag moved better than he did”. Jo provided a much better performance
upon his entrance.
Neymar, and Brazil
continued to threaten ‘El Tri’ after the break but they held firm. Ochoa made
more fine saves, making good use of a rumoured extra finger on his right hand.
This later turned out to be false. The Mexican made a point blank save from a
thunderous header from Brazilian captain Thiago Silva. Either side and it would
certainly have been a goal, but Ochoa still produced a fine save to thwart the powerful
effort in the dying minutes of the second half.
Brazil found
themselves with one more chance. Marcelo found himself in behind Aguilar in the
penalty area but flung himself to the ground in the hope of winning a penalty,
The referee waved play on and it was a wasted opportunity and disgraceful play
by the Real Madrid man. It was behaviour that deserved a booking, at least.
The game ended in a
stale 0 – 0, a result that won’t have pleased the Brazil nation.
Brazil 0 - 0 Mexico 
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