Match 16 : Brazil vs Mexico

Mexico holds the hosts to a goalless draw.

Mexico 0-0 Brazil

Ochoa the Mexican goalkeeper held Brazil with his sparkling performance. Ochoa spoiled the dreams of the host nations consecutive victory in the World Cup. The draw puts them in 4 points each with Brazil ahead on goal difference. Ochoa made some superb saves to deny another victory for the hosts and also raising the Mexicans chance of qualifying. Mexico plays Croatia in their next and final group game while Brazil faces off against Cameroon. A draw for the Mexicans against Croatia would ensure its qualification to the next round. Both the group matches will take place on Monday, simultaneously.

Ochoa made some crucial saves to deny Neymar's goal in the first half and minutes before end of second half denied kept out Silva's header with a beautiful save.

Both the teams started to attack early in the match. Brazil got a good chance with Oscar's through ball but Fred was caught offside. Mexican waited for good chance to counter-attack and did so in 24th minute with Herrera but his shot just went over the bar. In the 26th minute Brazil got their best chance to score when Alves produced a good cross to Neymar who headed the ball brilliantly at goal. It should have gone in but Ochoa made a brilliant effort to push the ball away and keeping Mexico in the game. Both the teams had few chances before half time but neither can score. One minute before the end of first-half Brazil had another very good chance of scoring when Silva provided a good assist to Paulinho. Paulinho's close range effort was saved by the brilliant Ochoa and keeping the scores level at half time.

Early in the second half Mexico went on to attack the hosts and came close to scoring when Vanquez's  long range shot went just over the bar. Couple of minutes later Herrera missed his chance at goal after a good team play. Neymar's free kick in the 63rd minute went just wide off target. Ochoa made another stunning save by pushing away Neymar's low shot. Mexican goalkeeper made one more remarkable save to deny Silva's header. In the 86th minute Neymar curled a free kick to the centre where Silva connected with a powerful header from close range but Ochoa blocked the ball miraculously. Mexico came back with their own attack trying to score a late winner but were unable to score. Both the teams played brilliantly but they had to settle for a goalless draw.

Mexico in current form are definitely be threatening to Croatia in their next game. Mexico's goalkeeper Ochoa played a game of his life and bought Mexico one step closer to qualifying. Brazil played a good game but were held by brilliant keeping. Both these teams just need a draw in their next game to qualify to Round of 16.