Fortaleza: Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa produced stunning saves in a heroic display to deny a dominant Brazil victory in a high-voltage World Cup clash here on Tuesday (Wednesday in India).
The 28-year-old Ochoa, who plays in France for AC Ajaccio, first thwarted Neymar’s 26th minute header with a spectacular dive to his right and then blocked Thiago Silva’s headed attempt in the 87th minute to the huge groan of the sea of yellow-clad Selecao fans.
Neymar, who scored two goals in Brazil’s 3-1 opening match win against Croatia, had plenty of the ball and made some threatening runs into the rival box at Estadio Castelao.
But ultimately, the five-time champions failed to break down the stubborn Mexican defence and the seemingly impenetrable wall thrown around their goal by Ochoa. Mexico survived the grinding offence from Brazil and frustrated the hosts’ march to the round of 16.
After this draw, the second goalless match of the tournament after Iran vs Nigeria, Brazil and Mexico occupy top spot in Group A on four points each. The group, which also includes Croatia and Cameroon, is now wide open.
Brazil dominated the first half with more possession and applied pressure mostly from the left through Marcelo, Oscar and Neymar trying to break dowm the Mexico defence.
The first chance for Brazil came in the 14th minute with Marcelo trying to get the ball across the Mexican box. Fred and Paulinho had half-chances, but neither could find the target.
Mexico sat back defending for most of the first half but the 24th minute saw Hector Herrera finding space to smash the ball towards the Brazil goal only to be tipped over by goalkeeper Julio Cesar. (PTI)
