Brazil were held to a goalless draw by Mexico in their World Cup Group A clash this evening.

Both teams entered the match off the back of wins, with the host nation overcoming Croatia and Mexico narrowly beating Cameroon.

However, neither side could make it six points from two matches at this summer's tournament.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Group A rivals.

Match statistics

Brazil
Shots: 14
On target: 8
Possession: 53%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 12

Mexico
Shots: 13
On target: 3
Possession: 47%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 18

Was the result fair?

Statistics rarely paint a false picture and although Brazil dominated all of the main areas this evening, it would have been unjust if Mexico had left empty-handed. With Mexico lining up in a 3-5-2 formation, it was always going to be difficult for Brazil to break down Miguel Herrera's well-drilled side. However, for a team that are seen as the favourites to win the competition this summer, it was an extremely disappointing night. Mexico also had their moments - especially in the latter stages as the match began to open up - but a goalless draw is just about a fair reflection of the events in Fortaleza.

Brazil's performance

It is a case of must do better for Brazil. In truth, they were fortunate to beat Croatia in their first group match and indeed struggled for long periods against Mexico. With Hulk carrying a slight injury, Ramires was introduced into the XI, but there was confusion as to where the Chelsea midfielder was actually playing, with Neymar too often struggling for options in the final third. Dani Alves and Marcelo, who so often threaten from the full-back positions, were also non-existent, with Mexico's formation effective in dealing with the threat in wide areas. It was also a poor evening for Fred, who hardly touched the ball before being substituted in the second period. While a point is not a bad result, it was not the performance of a team that are considered as the favourites to triumph in the final next month.

Defensively Brazil also had a few nervy moments, with Thiago Silva too often left isolated by David Luiz, who seemed to push further and further up the pitch as the match entered its latter stages. Overall, it was a laboured and unimaginative performance from the five-time champions.

Mexico's performance

As touched upon above, Herrera's 3-5-2 formation made it extremely difficult for Brazil to threaten in wide areas. The Selecao are perhaps the best national team in the world at stretching the play in wide positions, but that was not the case in this match, with Mexico's two wing-backs comfortable in dealing with the danger. In truth, the likes of Oribe Peralta and Giovani dos Santos - two of their stars from the first match - struggled to influence proceedings, but there were a number of impressive performers, with Andres Guardado, Hector Moreno, Rafael Marquez and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa all terrific.

The introduction of Javier Hernandez provided Mexico with more of a threat in the final third and on another night, they might have claimed a famous three points. However, a point leaves them in a strong position ahead of their final group match against Croatia.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Guillermo Ochoa: Before discussing the Mexican goalkeeper's performance, it is important to note that the 28-year-old is currently available on a free transfer after leaving French side Ajaccio at the end of last season. Based on his performance against Brazil, he might not be without a club for too long. The stopper made two or three world-class saves against the Selecao - twice denying Neymar from close range, before somehow stopping a point-blank header from Thiago Silva in the latter stages. Ochoa's distribution and aerial prowess were also extremely impressive.

Biggest gaffe

There is not one clear moment that sticks out, but Fred's lacklustre display cannot be ignored. The experienced forward could perhaps have been excused for not influencing the match in forward areas if his work-rate and contribution to the team was high, but that was simply not the case. There wasn't any real intent from the 30-year-old throughout his 68 minutes on the field and Jo looked a brighter option after arriving from the bench.

Referee performance

It has been a busy World Cup for referees this summer and tonight was no exception. Cuneyt Cakir had a host of late challenges to deal with in the early stages, but surprisingly did not look to his pocket until the latter stages of the first period, when Ramires was shown a card. The Turk showed a further three bookings in the second half, but none were particularly controversial. Brazil had a fairly late penalty shout when Marcelo went down inside the box under the challenge of Raul Jimenez, but Cakir was not interested.

What next?

Brazil: Next up for Brazil is a clash with Cameroon on June 23.

Mexico: Mexico, meanwhile, face Croatia on the same evening.

Written by
Matt Law