Mexico Played With Heart and Courage in a Tie, Ochoa Denies Brazil of a Victory

Fifa.com

By Francisco Romero

Looking for revenge after losing 2-1 to Mexico in the London 2012 Olympics, the Brazilian team faced Mexico in the City of Fortaleza, Brazil. Both teams came into this match with 3 points each after beating their respective opponents in the first game of group play.

Brazil came in today’s game as the favorite against El Tri, but to its surprise it faced a Mexico team that is determined to advance to the next stage of World Cup play.

It was a game of opportunities, both teams had them, Brazil came closer to scoring, but Mexico’s figure turned out to be its goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa.

Ochoa denied the Brazilians the victory and three points.

Who would have thought that a 0-0 game would be so exciting? This one has been described as one of the best games played so far in the World Cup.

One of the greatest stops by Ochoa was a shot midway through the half from Neymar. Ochoa was not only able to stop Neymar’s shot, but he made four additional great saves during the game, four saves that gave Mexico a tie with a victory flavor.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, specially playing with the home crowd against us,” said Mexico’s Goalkeeper Memo Ochoa to Univision after the game, “It was a great way to obtain a point in group play,” he added, and finished by saying, “It is one of the greatest games I have ever played.”

At times during the game it seemed like the game was played in Mexico as the crowd sang “Cielito Lindo” throughout the match, a traditional Mexican song that identifies the Mexican National Team with its followers.

Mexico will face Croatia next Monday to finish group play.