Inspired Ochoa leads Mexico to goalless draw with Brazil

The highlight of the game in Fortaleza came in the 25th minute as Neymar towered above Rafael Marquez to meet a cross from Dani Alves, but Ochoa made a spectacular full-length save at the post.

Brazil laboured in the second half to create further clear chances as Mexico themselves threatened with a handful of long-range shots.

Neymar was denied once more late by Ochoa and when the keeper blocked Thiago Silva's header from a free kick, Mexico had done enough to secure a share of the spoils.

The Mexicans more than deserved their draw with a performance which was full of discipline and characterized by defence organization. But they were willing to push bodies forward on the counter-attack whenever possible.

In the first half, Brazil keeper Julio Cesar tipped a stinging shot from Hector Herrera over the bar. Cesar also had an anxious look at Jose Juan Vazquez's shot which flew narrowly past the woodwork.

The match had started in a cauldron of noise as the Brazilian fans tried to inspire the team early on. Neymar being moved to tears at the end of the national anthem had already shown the players were on an emotional edge.

But Mexico took the sting out of the match superbly. While Brazil were intense in the opening exchanges, the Mexicans defended resolutely - and physically - when required.

The Brazil fans were on their feet when Fred met a cut back but his shot hit the side rather than the back of the net.

There was danger again midway through the first half when Neymar's wonderful leap took him above Marquez and unleashed a bullet of a header just inside the post. It looked like a goal but Ochoa had other ideas, flying through the air to turn the ball to safety with the save of the tournament so far.

Brazil, despite their possession, were struggling to create clear chances. When danger-man Neymar collected possession and started to run, he was soon crowded out by a swarm of red-shirted defenders.

Perhaps frustrated by the inability of the attackers to make something happen, defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz combined from a free kick as the former chested into the path of the latter but Ochoa spread himself well to save.

Bernard was introduced at half-time to replace the disappointing Ramires, and he threatened immediately with a cross which Franciso Rodriguez did well to clear as Neymar lurked behind him.

Another attacking switch was made as Jo replaced the anonymous Fred but with the exception of a snatched shot on the angle which dribbled wide, he too contributed little.

Brazil's last chance came to Thiago but while his header from a free kick was solid, it was directly at Ochoa. The keeper had to react well but in such form he was never going to concede in such fashion.

Mexico even came close to stealing all three points in the final minute as Andres Guardado fired just over and Cesar palmed away a shot from Javier Hernanez.