On Tuesday evening, the second round of the 2014 World Cup championship began. In Group A, the national teams of Brazil and Mexico met. We did not see any goals in this fierce battle and the teams separated with a draw.
The first half started a bit more actively from the Mexican team's side. The visiting team tried to create chances in the opponent's half, but without success.
A bit later, the Brazilians took control of the game, but the first threatening opportunity was only created in the 18th minute, when Luiz Gustavo attempted a long-range shot.
After a few minutes, Mexico's goalkeeper Miguel Herrera also demonstrated his long shot, but the ball flew past the top corner.
The first very real opportunity was created in the 26th minute. Dani Alves sent the ball into the penalty area from the edge and Neymar made a header, but Guillermo Ochoa made a great save.
In the 35th minute another danger arose in front of the Mexican goal. Fred tried to beat the opposing goalkeeper with his head, but the shot was not strong enough.
At the end of the half, the Brazilians had a great opportunity to score, when Thiago Silva chested the ball into the penalty area, and Paulinho shot directly at G.Ochoa.
In the second half, the Mexican team did not intend to just defend. The Brazilians felt the pressure from their opponents from the early minutes, and Jose Vazquez had a particularly dangerous shot.
After Vazquez's shot, his team mates tested Julio Cesar's alertness several times, but the ball flew past the top corner.
In the 69th minute, the Brazilian team launched a quick counterattack and Neymar received a great pass, but Ochoa once again reliably guarded the goal.
For the rest of the time, the Brazilians attacked more, but the Mexican defense of five defenders handled the threatening tournament hosts excellently.
Almost the best opportunity to score at the end of the match belonged to the Brazilian team captain Thiago Silva, when after a corner, he made a header, but the Mexican goalkeeper in a good position repelled another very dangerous shot and gifted his team a draw.
Starting lineups:
Brazil: Júlio César, D. Alves, T. Silva, D. Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo, Oscar, Ramires, Fred, Neymar.
Mexico: Ochoa; Rodríguez, Márquez, Herrera, Layún, Dos Santos, Moreno, Guardado, Peralta, Aguilar, Vázquez.
Group A standings:
| Place | Team | Matches | Points | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Brazil | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| 2. | Mexico | 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 3. | Cameroon | 1 | 0 | -1 |
| 4. | Croatia | 1 | 0 | -2 |
