Moments before kick-off we witnessed an outpouring of emotion as
Neymar burst into tears following an awe-inspiring rendition of the Brazilian national anthem. With the music no longer playing, supporters, coaches and players combined to proudly ring out the Hino Nacional Brasileiro. There was a great roar from David Luiz but once the game settled, and it became clear Mexico would not be an easy nut to crack, the atmosphere shifted. There was a real sense of frustration as Brazil were repeatedly thwarted by the excellent Guillermo Ochoa. Having the home fans behind you can spur you on, but the players will equally feel the tension when games are tight. It will be interesting to see whether that weight of expectation drags the players down.
What better way to put yourself in the shop window than to pull off a string of hugely impressive saves at the
World Cup. Well how about doing it against the hosts and one of the favourites to win the tournament.
Guillermo Ochoa was released by Ajaccio after the French club finished bottom of Ligue 1 last season, and now find himself in an incredibly strong position. His staggering save from a Neymar header brought gasps before somehow keeping out a point-blank header from Thiago Silva to earn Mexico a draw. It was a stunning display and I’m sure his agent’s phone has not stopped ringing since.
Fred and Jo suffer social media backlash
“From Socrates and Zico to Fred and Jo. Just not the same is it?” exclaimed one Brazilian fan on Twitter, while another asked: “Brazil struggling for a good striker, why are Pato and Damiao sat at home.” It is a question many Brazil fans were asking after a largely ineffective display from the two forwards chosen by Luiz Felipe Scolari. Fred has been excellent over the past 12 months but against a dogged and determined Mexico backline he was largely neutralized. With Plan A not working, Jo was brought on but the former Man City striker hardly seems like a game-changer with just five international goals to his name. Could this lack of cutting edge ultimately cost the hosts?
Mexico prove their no push over
When this group was announced most pundits picked Brazil and Croatia to advance. But after defeating Cameroon and securing a hugely impressive draw with Brazil, Mexico could just spring a surprise. Well organised, with a goalkeeper who looks unbeatable and bags of talent in attack, El Tri may just fancy their chances of going deep in the tournament. In Giovanni dos Santos, Oribe Peralta and Javier Hernandez they have creativity and goals. Combine that with the assured performances of Rafael Marquez at the back, they may well feel they can reach the last-16 and then anything is possible.
Brazil not playing to the Samba beat
In previous World Cup’s you could always expect a Brazil side to be full of attacking flair. They played to a rhythm of their own, with fast, agile, quick witted players who bamboozled opponents. Neymar would comfortably fit into these great sides but who else in the current set-up would? Ramires, Fred, Paulinho, Luis Gustavo…I don’t think so. With the usually creative Oscar somewhat stifled, Scolari’s side struggled to pick apart a disciplined Mexico defence. Should they advance past the group stage then they will face tougher opponents and there will be greater pressure on Neymar to perform. How he responds will be crucial.
