Mexico keep Brazil in check

Guillermo Ochoa, a free agent this summer, played an inspired match to deny Brazil in Fortaleza on Tuesday. He won some praise from lofty quarters as a result.

"That was the best goalkeeeping performance of the tournament so far," German shot-stopper extraordinaire Oliver Kahn said on ZDF public television after the game.

Julio Cesar in the Brazilian goal kept out several key chances from the Mexican side as well, but Ochoa's saves were more numerous and spectacular - mainly because Brazil carved out the better chances.

Neymar, seeking his third goal of the competition, was one of the players denied by Ochoa in the first half. Neymar rose like he had springs in his boots to reach a cross from Dani Alves on the right, and placed his header well - in the far corner of Ochoa's goal. Somehow, the outgoing AJ Ajaccio player reached it with his fingertips.

Hector Herrera enjoyed two of Mexico's best chances on the night, both of them from long range. The five-man defense of the Mexicans did an excellent job of containing the Brazilians, and countering occassionally against a Selecao defense that appeared vulnerable against Croatia on opening day as well.

The match had a little bit of everything, except for goals. Some fierce tackles, surprisingly few cards given the roughness, and a slightly decreased pace in the latter phases were all noteworthy.

"That was a very intensive, very difficult game. The Mexican side has a lot of quality, we fought hard and I think won a fair result," Wolfsburg and Brazil's holding midfielder Luiz Gustavo said afterwards. "Both teams had chances, it was a good game, now we have to concentrate on the last group match."

Mexico and Brazil both take four points into their last Group A matches, remaining favorites to progress. Croatia and Cameroon both have the chance to play their way into contention with a win on Tuesday in the gruelling heat of Manaus.