Football: Mexico's Ochoa reveals Brazil's weaknesses

Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa waves to fans. Photo / AP

The secret is out. Just like the Emperor's new clothes, the Brazil team of 2014 are not what we have been led to believe.

But it required a Mexican goalkeeper without a club to deliver the brutal truth that a home victory in this tournament is a long way from becoming a reality.

Guillermo Ochoa, released by French club Ajaccio at the end of the season, produced four world-class saves as Mexico emerged with a valuable point.

Mexico, who secured qualification for the World Cup only via a two-legged play-off against New Zealand last November, were clearly unfazed by the prospect of taking on Luiz Felipe Scolari's team.

No side have been able to get under the skin of the Brazilians as regularly as Mexico since the turn of the millennium. Brazil have suffered six defeats and won just four of their 12 meetings, and a bruising first-minute challenge by Jose Vazquez on Neymar was a sign of the Mexicans' refusal to be intimidated.

Driven on by their pugnacious coach Miguel Herrera, Mexico tackled with bite and intent and the approach unsettled Brazil. Neymar struggled to make an impression and Mexico's destructive tactics were evident again when the Barcelona forward was clattered by Francisco Rodriguez midway through the first half.

Turkish official Cuneyt Cakir displayed uncharacteristic leniency in letting Mexico's forceful challenges go unpunished. But Mexico also displayed pace and flair on the counter-attack and the impressive Oribe Peralta caused problems for David Luiz and Thiago Silva in and around the Brazilian penalty area.

Brazil carved out the best chances of the first half, but Ochoa produced two stunning saves to keep the scores level at the interval. Ochoa dug out one of the saves of the tournament to deny Neymar on 27 minutes.

Brazil's sluggish start to the second period emphasised their flaws and the improvements they will have to make if they are to overcome Holland, Germany and Argentina to win the World Cup. Telegraph Group Ltd