Brazil denied by Mexico keeper

Brazil produced an unconvincing display at Estadio Castelao as Mexico held them to a goalless draw with an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were again well short of their best in a cauldron of an atmosphere at Estadio Castelao, in Fortaleza.

Neymar and captain Thiago Silva had the best of Brazil's chances but were denied by Ochoa.

"Brazil played against a good Mexico side. On several occasions Guillermo Ochoa showed lightning quick reactions - as a single individual he was definitely man of the match.
"It's not the end of the world for Brazil, and they created good chances.
"The real disappointment for me was Fred. The comer flag moved better than he did. Jo was much better.
"We shouldn't judge Jo just on what he did in England with Manchester City. But Fred is one of those players who can come back."

Mexico more than held their own, testing home keeper Julio Cesar through substitute Raul Jiminez and peppering his goal in a breathless second half.

The result leaves both sides with a chance of topping Group A. Brazil face Cameroon in Brasilia in their final match, knowing a point will be enough to see them through.

This was a game in which the hosts' reliance on the brilliance of Neymar and Oscar was exposed. Fred failed to appease his critics with a toothless display in attack, while Paulinho and Luiz Gustavo lacked imagination in midfield.

It is not the first time Brazil have struggled against Mexico - no team has beaten them more often in the 21st century - and they were fortunate not to lose again.

Ochoa, who has left French club Ajaccio, was in exceptional form

Neymar was in the thick of the action from the off, dancing away from Mexico defenders, and drawing several fouls.

And it was the Barcelona striker who had the best of the early chances. From Dani Alves' cross he rose high at the back post to head powerfully towards goal. Ochoa threw himself to his right to tip the ball to safety.

In Brazil the save was compared to Gordon Banks'  famous dive to keep out Pele's header in the 1970 World Cup.

Ochoa made another vital save with half-time approaching, spreading himself to smother a close-range stab by Paulinho, after Silva chested on a free-kick.

But Mexico gave every bit as good as they got.

Match facts

• Brazil's Fred only completed eight of his 16 passes against Mexico
• Only two of Brazil's last 26 World Cup games have ended goalless
• Brazil had won their three previous World Cup meetings with Mexico, by a combined score of 11-0
• Ochoa made six saves in this game. No keeper has made more in a game in this World Cup so far (Rais M'bolhi of Algeria also made six saves, against Belgium)

(left to right) Gustavo, Marcelo and Luiz were in good voice during the playing of the Brazil anthem

Mexico were well supported inside Estadio Castelao

Ochoa's save from Neymar's header was compared to Gordon Banks' famous save from Pele at the 1970 World Cup.

Brazil keeper Cesar had little to do but produced a good save to deny Herrera