“Memo” was masterful with highlight saves as Mexico defied the odds and tied Brazil in a 0-0 Draw.
Both goalies were superb in the match as both teams had their scoring opportunities, but the biggest moments came from Mexico’s goalie, Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, who was nicknamed the "Fortess of Fortaleza" by the end of the match.
Brazil’s Hulk was physically unfit to play in the match and replaced in the middle by Ramires. Ramires could create more problems for Mexico as with the tandem of Oscar and Ramires, Brazil can spread the ball out wide and open up the middle of the box for Neymar.
Early on in the match, the battle on the pitch was more reminiscent of a Game of Thrones episode than a World Cup performance. Early and often their were fouls and flops as Mexico tried to prove early they were going to be physical with Brazil. That physicality showed right away as Mexico fouled Neymar in what appeared to be intentional, seconds after the opening whistle blew.
Sloppy play and turnovers lead to Brazil finding its rhythm and pace at the 21” to 30” mark. They were able to get multiple shots on goal, including a header for Neymar at the 23rd minute mark that had the entire crowd on their feet, believing they had witnessed the opening goal. But it was not to be as “Memo” made the all worldly save and denied the balll from crossing over the goalline.
Mexico was proud of their defense going into the half as they were able to tighten the middle on Neymar and make things difficult for him.
For Brazil, it was the only time they have played a World Cup game in Brazil, in which they had not scored in the first half since the 1950 World Cup final in which they went on to lose to Argentina.
In the start of the second half, Brazil’s coach, Luis Scolari, made a tactical move by substituting the substitute Ramires for Bernard.
"Memo" was amazing! Brazil had all the scoring opportunities in the second half, as Mexico tried to hang on and not relinquish a goal. Ochoa continued to make save after save, leading all those in observance to wonder if El Tri was playing with fire and would it be only a matter of time before Brazil found the net.
In the 74th minute, as most expected, Miguel Herrera brought the infamous, “El Chicharito” in off the bench in place of Oribe Peralta. Hoping to create a spark for El Tri and create scoring opportunities in a second half that had relatively none, “Chicharito” had a couple chances in the box, but nothing he was able to drive home.
"Memo" was by far the man of the match. Coming up with at least 5 highlight saves that are the best you will see of the World Cup so far. His six saves tonight, tied him for the most saves by any goalkeeper in the World Cup so far.
"He was the hero tonight. He did a lot of great work tonight. We need to keep that going." Mexico capitan Rafael Marquez said.
Mexico secured the elusive one point from the match that many did not think was possible. No matter what the outcome of the Croatia vs. Cameroon match tomorrow, both El Tri and Brazil will be tied in first place in Group A with 4 points each. Mexico is now in perfect positioon to make it out of the group as they now control their own desiny with their match against Croatia on June 23rd. A win or draw there (assuming Brazil beats Cameroon), and Mexico is into the knockout round. "This is only the second game. We need to be calm and try and be better in the next game." Marquez said.
For Brazil, while disappointing, this result will certainly not be devastating for them. If not for the masterful saves by Ochoa, Brazil could have easily won this match 2-0 if not more. They will begrudginly accept the draw and look to beat Cameroon, who is the weakest of the group, on June 23rd. A win there cements their first place finish in the group, or at the very least a runner up finish depending on the final score between Mexico and Croatia.
As earlier noted, Brazil's Hulk was physically unfit to play as he is nursing a thigh muscle injury sustained in their opening match against Croatia. More than likely, he will rest this week in training and his status for Cameroon is doubtful.
Mexico coach, Miguel Herrera, replaced star Oribe Peralta in the 74th minute and Giovani dos Santos in the 84th minute. Both young stars for Mexico are fine, and will be fully fit in their next match versus Croatia.
Game Notes:
With the draw today, Brazil is still undefeated against Mexico in World Cup play with an overall record of 3-0-1. By not scoring today, Mexico has still yet to score a goal against Brazil in the World Cup. This is only the second 0-0 draw Brazil has ever had in the World Cup. Brazil's Fred completed 8 of 16 passes today, not up to his usual standards.
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