BRASIL V MEXICO

0' Match Day 2 in Group A, and its a battle for first place and as close as a guarantee one can give without certainty of going through to the next round. Mexico looked strong in their opener, but their defense was only rarely tested. Brasil looked unprepared in their opener, but started to find their stride towards the end of the match. Contrasting styles of play here as well, and the atmosphere is sure not to disappoint. Mexico will need to take the crowd out of the match, and an early goal will surely help that.

10' Fred nearly putting Brasil ahead on a beautiful pass by Oscar, but it his the side netting, this time. Both teams coming out very strong, and its a very physical match thus far. The referee letting the two teams play it out, and its been very chaotic in midfield thus far.

20' Some beautiful footwork by Neymar amidst some very physical and strong tackles, more than a few of which I'm sure would have drawn yellow cards from other referees. Mexico defending well, and it will either take a piece of brilliance or a mistake in defense for Brasil to score. Mexico on the other hand not threatening the Brasilian defense in the least.

24' Finally Julio Cesar is called to work, a strong shot that goes just above the cross bar. A good shot from Mexico, and Mexico with a bit of possession in Brasil's half finally. A minute later on the opposite end of the field, an absolutely brilliant save by the Mexico goalkeeper to rob Neymar of a goal.

36' Mexico settling in a little bit, stringing together a few good possessions, taking the pressure off their defense, but the game starting to open up again, with both teams' counter-attacks showing some potential.

42' A Beautiful shot by Mexico goes just wide of the up right, but it looks to have beaten Julio Cesar. Threatening moments from Mexico, who have turned it on here in the latter parts of the first half.

44' A free kick from Brasil goes stray off a deflection into the box with three brasilian players and no Mexican defenders. Another beautiful save from the Mexican keeper Ochoa keeps it level. Not moments later the first yellow comes out, for a hard tackle given by Ramires. Certainly not any stronger than some tackles we have already seen, but the referee drawing the line, and Mexico with a threatening free kick that turns into nothing.

48' A beautiful opportunity for Brasil from a through ball that gets a cross in across an open goal, only to be headed away by a Mexican defender who chases down the ball before Neymar can get a head to it. Brasil have come out with pace and determination in this second half, and it looks like Mexico will have to settle into defense for a little while before creating their own chances, just like in the first half.

57' Mexico now with some good possession, threatening Julio Cesar twice with some excellent powerful shots from just outside the box. Brasil in momentary disarray, and this is the time if there ever is one for Mexico to score. One wonders how long this window will stay open, and you know Brasil has the talent to collect themselves and find goal if they need to.

69' Brasil again nearly takes the lead, after Neymar finds himself with the ball in front of the goal. Another beautiful save by Ochoa keeps it level, and he is having a match for the ages so far. Brasil looking very threatening, but Mexico defending well. Against this Brasil side though, they'll have to do more than that. A strong counter attack and taking away a bit of possession will go a long way to keeping Brasil at bay. Brasil finding a lot of space in midfield, and sending in cross after cross.

75' The game opening up again. Some excellent runs by Chicarito for the Mexicans and Jo for the Brasilians, both fresh off the bench, sees two good chances. Both teams seeking the full 3 points.

86' A free kick for Brasil sees Thiago Silva in unmarked, but his header goes straight at Ochoa, who comes up with another miracle save to keep his sheet clean. He is keeping Mexico in the game by sheer personal determination.

Final' Well it all ends in a draw. Julio Cesar stopping a pair of good shots near the end of the match, reminding everyone that there were two keepers on the pitch today. But it was Guillermo Ochoa who's the star of the match, with an absolutely stellar performance on the worlds biggest stage against possible the biggest giant there is. A well earned draw for Mexico, and both teams still left with hunger for their final group stage matches.