Brazil held by feisty Mexico as Ochoa stands firm

World Cup favourites Brazil were held to a 0-0 draw by Mexico on June 18 as goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa produced an inspired performance to deny the Brazilians their 11th victory in a row.

In an absorbing Group A match in the deafening cauldron of Fortaleza's Castelao arena, Brazil failed time and again to break down a stubborn Mexican defence.

Ochoa made a series of reflex saves to deny Paulinho, Neymar (twice) and Thiago Silva when they seemed certain to score. "We should congratulate their goalkeeper who performed at least four miracles," Brazilian striker Fred said.

At the other end, the Mexicans had a few decent chances in another entertaining game and could have snatched a victory had their long-range efforts been more accurate.

The draw ended Brazil's 10-match winning streak, dating back to August when they lost to Switzerland in a friendly.

It also meant that to make the second round of the tournament both teams need points from their final group games on June 23 when Brazil face Cameroon in Brasilia and Mexico meet Croatia in Recife.

"There was a chance here, a chance there, it was very tight," Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said.

"It wasn't a question of us evolving or not (from the last game). We've been playing this way 20 games, we are up against good teams, we need to understand that."

"It wasn't a good result, a victory would have qualified us. We need to respect other teams."    

Causing mischief

Brazil bossed the match from the outset with Marcelo and Oscar causing mischief down the left and Neymar showing the occasional burst of brilliance in the middle.

Neymar's header from a Dani Alves free kick on 26 minutes forced Ochoa's first fine...