FIFA World cup 2014: Brazil vs Mexico - Player ratings
The second round of matches from the group phase saw an enthralling encounter between hosts Brazil and an adamant Mexico side as both sides shared the spoils after playing out a goalless draw at Fortaleza. It was a stallion effort from the Mexicans as they matched up to the Seleccao on every area of the pitch.
Although the match ended in a stalemate, it was a delightful encounter with plenty of action and thrills. This result leaves the group wide open as Mexico have given themselves a realistic chance to qualify whereas Brazil will be under some amount of pressure heading into their final match.
Here are the player ratings from the match.
Brazil
Julio Cesar: 7/10
The Brazilian goalkeeper had a wave of long range efforts flying towards him in the second half . But none of them troubled him as they weren’t on target. Forced to make a decent save in the first half.
Dani Alves: 6/10
The Barcelona full-back got into attacking positions quite often and supported the attack as he often does. Delivered a few crosses into the box but couldn’t provide the final pass. Was kept busy by Guadrado and Layun as they managed to match up to the Brazilian.
Thiago Silva: 7.5/10
A commendable performance from Brazil’s best defender. Was constantly aware of the attacking threats posed by Peralta. Committed to a rash tackle on Hernandez to prevent him from a one-one-one situation with the goalkeeper.
David Luiz: 7/10
Made a couple of crucial tackles in the game and was generally accurate with his decisions. Had a more attacking approach as he tried to get into the midfield and provide more support in attack.
Marcelo: 6.5/10
Provided significant threat down the left flank and caused problems while pushing forward. Went down in the box and claimed for a penalty which wasn’t given. Defensively, the Real Madrid winger wasn’t convincing as Dos Santos and Aguilar found it easy down the right side.
Luiz Gustavo: 6/10
Kept pressurising the Mexican midfield to retain possession. Was careless on one or two occasions with the ball at his feet. Provided the balance in the middle as he stayed back when most of his compatriots were pushing high up the pitch.
Paulinho: 6/10
Forced Ochoa into making a first half save. Other than that, the Tottenham midfielder had an average game as he was failed to move the ball quicker in midfield.
Ramires: 4/10
Picked ahead of Hulk to provide more versatility. But the Chelsea midfielder couldn’t produce anything effective. Received a yellow card in the first half and was substituted at half time.
Oscar: 6.5/10
Drifted too many times on the wings. Did not see much of the ball to create anything. Worked hard and looked inventive. Was taken off in the second half to bring in Willian.
Neymar: 7.5/10
Brazil’s best player on the pitch. Forced a terrific save from Ochoa in the first half after he saw his well timed header blocked. Had a chance to put Brazil into the lead in the second half but was denied again by the brilliance of Ochoa. Ineffective in the final quarter of the game.
Fred: 3.5/10 – Flop of the match
Was absent during large portions of the game. Gave away possession at times and did not provide any kind of threat for the opposition. Taken off in the second half.
Substitutes:
Bernard: 6/10
Got into good positions at times and demonstrated his pace down the right flank as he supplied a cross which was just cleared by Moreno. Linked up with Neymar and Oscar effectively.
Jo: 4.5/10
Missed a great opportunity after being provided with an excellent final ball from Bernard. But the substitute could not grab the decisive goal.
Willian: 3.5/10
Didn’t get enough time to make an impact on the game.
Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa: 9/10 – Man of the match
A stunning performance from the shot-stopper. Denied Neymar in the first half with a brilliant save. Saved his team on several occasions including two in the second half against Neymar and Thiago Silva. By far the best player on the night.
Paul Aguilar: 7/10
Provided width as he constantly ran up and down the flanks. Managed to see off Neymar and Marcelo’s combination.
Javier Rodriguez: 7/10
Covered the defence well when Marquez pushed forward. Made an excellent clearance of a Bernard cross which was bound to go into the net.
Rafael Marquez: 7/10
The captain gave a solid performance to deny the Brazilians from scoring. Wasn’t afraid to bring the ball out from the back as he distributed possession quite well.
Hector Moreno: 6.5/10
A good night for the defender as he made a couple of headed clearances. Overall, it was an errorless performance.
Miguel Layun: 6.5/10
The wing-back pushed forward on several occasions and he was not afraid to test Cesar from distance. Combined well with Guardao to trouble Alves on the left flank.
Hector Herrera: 6.5/10
The Porto midfielder worked tirelessly in midfield and battled well in the final third. Went for two long range efforts and was inches close to slotting one in. Taken off in the second half.
Juan Vasquez: 6/10
Had a physical approach to the game as he committed into making fouls to shield the back four from being exposed to Brazil’s attacks. Came close with a couple of long range efforts. Received a yellow card in the second half.
Andres Guardado: 7/10
Kept the opposition alert throughout the game as he linked up well with the forwards. Saw his shot brush past the post late in the second half.
G. Dos Santos: 7/10
Drifted wide on few occasions and looked to take on the Brazilian defenders. Provided those incisive runs and had a deflected shot easily saved by Julio Cesar.
Oribe Peralta: 6/10
Mexico’s top-scorer was kept at bay as he failed to register a shot in the entire game. Almost penetrated the defence as he got into the penalty area but was denied by a last minute challenge from Thiago Silva.
Substitutes:
Marco Fabian: 5/10
Kept the attacking pressure on Brazil as he came on in the second half.
Raul Jimenez: 4.5/10
Forced a save from Julio Cesar and tracked back to ensure a draw.
Javier Hernandez: 5/10
Made a couple of good runs into the opposition box. But was hacked off by Silva’s challenge. Other than that, he was comfortably dealt with.