“Saint Memo” Guides Mexico to World Cup Tie Against Brazil (Update)

An inspired performance by Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa helped El Tri to a 0-0 tie in their World Cup group match versus Brazil on Tuesday. 

“I undoubtedly believe (I played the game of my career),” said the official match MVP after the final whistle in Fortaleza.

“We knew it was going to be a very difficult match…but we’re happy to pick up a point against the World Cup hosts,” added the twenty-eight-year-old who helped Mexico become the first team from the CONCACAF region to not lose to a Brazilian side in the World Cup.

Brazil tested Mexico’s defense on numerous occasions in the first half yet Ochoa lived up to the challenge with four saves. Neymar made two key stops by Ochoa in the 26th minute off a header from close range while the second came near the stroke of halftime from David Luiz alone in front of the goal.

The second half began with El Tri applying pressure via long-range efforts from J.J. Vazquez and Giovanni Dos Santos that sailed above the crossbar.  Three-quarters of the way through the match the Verde Amarelha turned the momentum to their favor but were once again thwarted by “Saint Memo”. Thaigo Silva’s blast from five yards out in the 85th minute was turned away by Ochoa who ended with eight saves while the Mexican defense repelled Brazilian attacks.

Ochoa’s Brazilian counterpart, Julio César, made a few notable saves and prevented what could’ve been an embarrassing defeat. The Brazilian team’s lackluster performance has surely disappointed their fans and will likely turn up the pressure on a side that’s among the favorites to win the World Cup.