Despite receiving a heroic performance by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico couldn’t overcome Brazil in the last 16 tied at the World Cup as they fell 2-0.
Ochoa stopped eight of Brazil’s 10 shots on target to give him a tournament-leading 20 saves in Russia, but he couldn’t get in front of strikes from Neymar in the 51st minute and Roberto Firmino in the 88th minute.
Check out our player ratings for Mexico, with Ochoa naturally leading the way.
STARTING XI
Guillermo Ochoa – A couple of uncertain early moments but later produced great stops from Coutinho, Paulinho and Willian. Unlucky to be a loser. 8
Edson Alvarez – Booked for fouling Neymar in the first half and was replaced early in the second half to avert the risk of a red. 5
Hugo Ayala – Strong in the centre of defence, helping to subdue Jesus with a series of tackles and interceptions. 7
Carlos Salcedo – As bright as his bleached blond hair in the centre of defence, he battled for everything and regularly showed great anticipation. 7
Jesus Gallardo – Tried to get forward from his left-back position and sent one long-range shot curling over the bar after a storming run. 6
Hector Herrera – Had a shot blocked on the edge of the box in Mexico’s lively start, but less of a factor later and was overrun by Willian. 6
Rafael Marquez – Statesmanlike in the middle of the pitch at the start, but soon ran out of puff and came off at half-time. 6
Andres Guardado – A tireless runner, getting forward to dangerous effect and chasing back to support his defence. 7
Carlos Vela – Made a lightning star with his direct running. Came close with a long-range strike, Mexico’s only shot on target. 7
Javier Hernandez – Got into dangerous positions early on but was rarely found and became a fringe presence before being replaced. 5
Hirving Lozano – Had an early shot blocked and was a constant threat down the flank, also working hard off the ball. 7
SUBSTITUTES
Miguel Layun – Had the task of shackling Neymar in the second half and adopted a very physical approach to that challenge. 5
Jonathan dos Santos – Came into the centre of the pitch early in the second half and showed plenty of energy with creating much. 6
Raul Jimenez – Replaced Hernandez for the final half hour but his teammates couldn’t exploit his aerial power and he struggled. 5
