Brazil welcomed Mexico in Group A of the Confederations Cup on Wednesday knowing that three points would book their spot in the semi-finals.
The hosts had the lead inside nine minutes when Neymar volleyed into the bottom corner, but Mexico improved in the latter stages of the first period.
Both sides had half-chances in the second half, but it was Brazil that added their second in the final moment courtesy of a close-range strike from Jo.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Confederations Cup coverage continues this evening as the hosts Brazil welcome Mexico. As mentioned, three points for Brazil would be enough to book their spot in the semi-finals, all but eliminating Mexico in the process. However, Mexico will enter the match full of confidence following their recent exploits against the Selecao.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Brazil are unchanged from their win over Japan last time out with Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho continuing in the middle of midfield. Neymar also continues in attack alongside Fred. Mexico make two changes, however, with Hiram Mier and Jorge Torres coming into their side in place of Javier Aquino and Jesus Zavala.
TEAMS:
BRAZIL: Cesar; Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Oscar, Hulk, Neymar; Fred
MEXICO: Corona; Rodriguez, Torrado, Moreno, Mier; Salcido, Torres; Florres, Giovani, Guardado; Hernandez
El Tri secured the gold medal at last summer’s Olympics in London following a 2-1 win over Brazil in the final. In addition, Mexico were also 2-0 winners in the last full international between the two sides last June. They have also won seven of their last 12 matches against Brazil, but they face a tough task this evening on Brazilian soil.
Brazil enter the match fresh from a comprehensive 3-0 win over Japan last time out, with Neymar stealing the headlines following a stunning opener. In truth, they were rarely tested by the Asian outfit, but they were more potent in forward areas then they had been in recent months. It appears that the home faithful are finally starting to warm to boss Luiz Felipe Scolari once more.
The home side are also unbeaten in their last five matches, scoring 12 goals in the process. They warmed up for this tournament with a 3-0 win over France, but they were held by England at the start of the month. They have had their troubles in recent years, but along with Spain, they are the favourites for glory this summer.
Mexico, meanwhile, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Italy on matchday one with Mario Balotelli securing all the points in the latter stages. The South American outfit will once more look to Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez to provide the threat in attack with the 25-year-old netting 33 goals in 51 games for his country.
However, they do not enter the match in the best form with just one win from their last five matches in all competitions. Their last two World Cup qualification matches have ended in goalless draws with Panama and Costa Rica respectively, while they also shared the points with Nigeria at the beginning of the month.
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. Mexico have enjoyed recent success against Brazil, but I am finding it difficult to make a case for them this evening. On home soil, I expect Brazil to record a comfortable 2-0 victory, booking their spot in the semi-finals in the process.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been undertaken. Just a reminder of the main team news. Brazil are unchanged from the win over Japan, but Torres and Mier come into the Mexican team. We are just about ready to go in Fortaleza.
There have been protests surrounding the stadium this afternoon with anti-World Cup demonstrators making their voices heard. Let's hope that it does not spill into the ground. This should be about this football match and nothing else. Right, Mexico get the action underway on this humid late afternoon. The referee is England's very own Howard Webb.
It must be said that there is a quite sensational atmosphere inside the stadium. The Brazilian national anthem sent shivers down the spine with the pure noise generated. There are a few Mexican supporters inside the stadium, but it is very much a sea of yellow. Lively opening to proceedings with both sides attempting quick, incisive passing in the opposing half.
Half-chance for Brazil inside the opening four minutes as Neymar collects possession on the left before finding Fred in the box, but the striker is just denied at the final moment. The noise inside the stadium is just deafening as Marcelo wins a free kick on the left, but Mexico manage to clear. What a task the away side have on their hands.
The first attempt on goal is a Brazilian one as Neymar finds Marcelo on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Corona. Neymar is again involved moments later as he finds Fred in the box, but Salcido is across to clear. Oscar does find the back of the net moments later, but the Chelsea midfielder is ruled offside.
It's bright work from Mexico this time as Giovani collects possession on the left before delivering a cross towards Hernandez, but it was just too high for the Manchester United striker. The crowd continue to create a deafening noise as Neymar advances forward once more, but Torrado is across to clear. Pulsating opening eight minutes to this Group A clash.
The offside flag again comes to Mexico's aid as Hulk drives into the box before finding Fred, but Howard Webb is on hand to stop play. Mexico have not come here to sit back, however, with Giovani once more threatening down the left, but again Julio Cesar is comfortable claiming the danger. Somehow it is still goalless with 10 minutes of football on the clock.
GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Mexico (Neymar)
Brazil have their lead inside nine minutes as Neymar fires an unstoppable volley into the bottom corner. That is just a little bit special from the Barcelona forward. Stunning strike from a stunning talent in world football. Brazil lead on the night.
In truth, it had been coming. Mexico are a side that are not used to losing football matches, but they have drawn eight of their last 10 games. That said, they would take a draw at this point I am certain. Mexico just cannot keep hold of possession at the moment as the noise inside the stadium continues to rise. What an atmosphere in Brazil.
Salcido takes matters into his own hands as the Mexican collects possession outside the box before striking towards goal, but it was always moving wide of the post. Brazil are once more on the attack moments later, but this time Rodriguez is across to clear. Can Mexico stay in the match in the first period?
It is simply one-way traffic at the moment as Brazil continue to fire shots from the edge of the box. Alves comes closest as the right-back floats an effort towards the top corner, but Corona is just across to make the save. Hulk fires another cross into the box, but Moreno manages to clear. It appears the second goal is on its way.
A mistake from Corona almost allows Neymar through on goal, but the goalkeeper just manages to clear at the vital moment. Better from Mexico in the last couple of minutes with Guardado striking an effort from close range, but Silva is across to make the challenge, before Mier fires wide from just inside the box.
There is no question that this Brazilian defence can be exposed, but the only problem is getting the ball. Slight problem for Thiago Silva as the centre-back hits the deck, but it does appear that he will be fit to continue. The last couple of moments will have at least given Mexico some hope that they can compete in this match. However, another goal for the home side changes everything. It remains 1-0 with 21 minutes on the clock.
Again Mexico come close to threatening as Giovani delivers a free kick into the box, but Luiz just manages to clear at the vital moment under pressure from Hernandez. Suddenly Brazil are being made to defend and they do not look entirely comfortable. Neymar eases the pressure moments later, but he is chopped down by Guardado, who receives a booking for his troubles.
Slightly bitty period of the match in the last couple of moments with Howard Weeb forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Neymar tries his luck moments later as he collects a pass from Hulk before striking towards the top corner, but it just flashes over the crossbar. The soon-to-be Barcelona forward looks a little bit special this evening.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Brazil do appear to have quelled some of the Mexican threat. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could play a huge role in the final result. It is difficult to see Mexico coming from 2-0 down on this type of occasion. It remains 1-0 with 27 minutes on the clock in Brazil.
Neymar lines up a free kick outside the box, but instead decides to clip towards Luiz, whose header is deflected behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered by Hulk, but Mier is on hand to make the clearance. Not too many chances in truth since Brazil took the lead, but the tempo remains at such a high level.
The atmosphere has just dropped inside the stadium in the last couple of moments with Mexico starting to enjoy more of the ball in the opposing half. The boos ring around the stadium as Giovani finds Flores in the box, but Luiz is across to clear at the vital moment. Mexico are more than in this match there is no question about that.
Another half-chance for the away side as Mier drives a low cross into the box, but Silva is across to clear once more. The pressure remains as Giovani combines with Hernandez inside the box, but Silva clears for the second time in quick succession. Brazil attempt to break with Neymar, but the Brazilian loses possession. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Bit of a nasty one for Luiz as the Chelsea defender is caught on the nose by his own teammate Silva, leaving the centre-back on the ground. However, he is deemed fit to continue following a spell of treatment. A change of shirt is needed with blood on the yellow strip. Can Mexico level the scores in the latter stages of the first half?
Boos ring around the stadium as Howard Webb addresses Neymar following a foul by the Brazilian. Oh Howard! Not in his own playground. Mexico again threaten as Giovani dances into the box before clipping a cross towards Hernandez, but once more Silva is across to clear. It has been one-way traffic since Brazil took the lead after nine minutes.
It's good work from Flores as the Mexican turns Gustavo on the edge of the box, but the Brazilian fells the number 32 in the process. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Salcido, but it comes off the foot of Hernandez before Neymar leads the counter. Eventually it falls to Hulk, but his pass is straight into the arms of Corona.
Luiz is sent from the field once more with the blood running down the face of the Chelsea defender. I suspect that he will need to apply some cream in order to continue. As it stands, the home side are down to 10 men. Little over two minutes of the first period remaining in Brazil.
Brazil's carelessness continues as Silva dives into a challenge with Hernandez, picking up a card in the process. Meanwhile, Luiz returns to the field once more. The resulting free kick is delivered by Giovani, but Luiz hooks clear. We will play three minutes at the end of the half.
Not too much to report in additional time with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Brazil continue to give away free kicks outside the box, but the delivery from the away side has been poor thus far. Neymar surely is close to a booking as he pulls down Mier once more.
HALF-TIME: Brazil 1-0 Mexico
So there we have it. Howard Webb brings the first period to an end with Brazil leading courtesy of a ninth-minute strike from Neymar. However, Mexico certainly improved in the latter stages of the half with Giovani causing problems in the wide areas. As it stands, Brazil will book their spot in the semi-finals.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have an embarrassment of riches on their bench with Lucas, Hernanes, Jo and Jadsen all ready to make an impact. Mexico, meanwhile, have the likes of Raul Jimenez, Aldo de Nigris and Javier Aquino in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Based on the half as a whole, Mexico will feel that they deserved to enter the break with at least a share of the spoils, but their quality from free kicks - and there has been a lot of them - has been short of required standard. Neymar has been the standout player for the home side, but Brazil continue to look untidy in defence. As it stands, Mexico will enter the competition with two defeats from two games.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising based on what we have seen thus far. Just a reminder that Group A's other match between Japan and Italy will take place later this evening. Right, the hosts get the action underway.
Bright start to the half from Brazil with Marcelo feeding a pass towards Neymar, who bursts down the left, but the Barcelona forward is immediately surrounded by three defenders. The latter stages of the first period had no real flow with fouls interrupting the play, let's hope that isn't the case in this half.
Brazil have the ball in the back of the net in the early stages of the half as Silva taps home from inside the box, but the linesman raised his flag for offside. It was a stunning cross from Neymar, who has been the difference between the two sides thus far. Bright opening four minutes to the second period.
Paulinho is involved for the home side this time as the midfielder collects a pass from Fred before feeding Oscar, but Corona is out to clear at the vital moment. I have hardly mentioned the likes of Fred and Hulk thus far with the focus very much on a certain Neymar. Mexico have not really started in the second period, but there is more than enough time for that to change.
Handbags between Alves and Mier as the two opposing players argue over a challenge, but Howard Webb is quickly on the scene to calm proceedings. No problem with the physicality of this match as the challenges continue to fly in. A half-chance comes to Brazil moments later via a Hulk cross, but Corona is out to claim.
Not the best of defending from Moreno as the Mexican is caught under a long pass from Luiz, but his defensive teammate Rodriguez comes across to clear under pressure from Neymar. Another free kick arrives for the away side moments later, but it is played short before breaking down. Mexico need to at least draw this match to stay in the competition.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Hulk to make it 2-0 as the forward combines with Neymar before driving into the box, but somehow he fires wide of the post at the vital moment. A square pass to Fred and it would have been 2-0 and possibly game over. Mexico live to fight another day.
Neymar is involved moments later as the forward bursts into the box before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but it was always moving wide of the post. Just a few signs that the home side are starting to find their feet once more with little over 30 minutes remaining.
Mexico make their first change of the match as Hector Herrera is introduced in place of Flores for the final 30 minutes of action. Just a reminder that defeat for the away side would all but eliminate the from the competition. Still no movement on the Brazil bench, but they have just started to take control once more.
Half-chance for Mexico this time as Giovani fires a low cross towards Hernandez, but Luiz is across to clear at the vital moment. That would have been 1-1 but for the intervention of the Chelsea defender. Oscar breaks down the other end, but Rodriguez is across to clear at the vital moment.
Brazil make their first change of the match as Hernanes enters the field in place of Oscar, who has just struggled to make an impact this evening after a man-of-the-match display against Japan last time out. Both managers have two changes remaining should they wish to alter proceedings. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in this Group A clash.
Golden opportunity for Mexico to threaten on the counter as Hernandez collects possession in his own half, but his pass towards Guardado allows Cesar to make the clearance. Neymar threatens down the other end moments later, but Corona is out to clear. End-to-end football, but Brazil remain in the lead.
Neymar is again involved for the home side as he collects a pass from Hulk before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but Corona makes the save. The resulting corner is delivered by Neymar, but once more the danger is headed clear. Little over 20 minutes for Mexico to rescue something this evening.
Another half-chance for the home side as Neymar delivers a fine cross into the box, but Corona just manages to make contact ahead of Fred. Mexico continue to threaten with Hernandez and Giovani, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. You just get the feeling that we are going to have late drama here.
Half-chance for Salcido as the Mexican midfielder strikes an effort from outside the box, but Cesar was always comfortable. Meanwhile, Mexico make their second change of the evening as Pablo Barrera, formerly of West Ham United, replaces Jorge Torres. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in Brazil.
Not too much from Mexico in the last few moments with the hosts dominating possession in the opposing half, but you just get the feeling that Brazil need another goal to be sure of the points. Salcido again tries his luck from outside the box, but once more his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much longer remaining this evening.
Scolari is very animated on the sideline as he issues instructions to his midfield. It does nothing to blunt the latest Mexican attack as Barrera whips a low cross into the box, but Alves is across to clear at the vital moment. The noise has just risen inside the stadium, but it is more of a nervous atmosphere than anything else.
Alves picks up a yellow card for throwing an arm into the face of Moreno, with replays suggesting that a red would have been harsh. The resulting free kick is delivered into the box by Salcido, but Luiz rises to clear the danger. The Chelsea defender has been the pick of Brazil's defenders this evening. Second change for the home side as Lucas Moura replaces Hulk.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Brazil comfortable in possession of the ball. Mexico have certainly been a threat this evening, but aside from Giovani, they have not really had anyone capable of that spark in the final third. However, there is still more than enough time for late drama here. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side as Barrera delivers a low cross into the box, but Guardado's effort is turned behind by Luiz. Brazil, meanwhile, make their third change of the evening as former Manchester City striker Jo replaces Fred. Two very Brazilian names!
Mexico just will not give it up here as they continue to flood forward in attack, but yet another corner is delivered straight into the arms of the Brazilian goalkeeper. Neymar is involved down the other end as he combines with Lucas, but eventually Mexico regain possession. Tense, nervous atmosphere inside the stadium with 86 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Paulinho as Neymar finds the midfielder in the box, but he can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Mexico make their third change of the evening moments later as Raul Jimenez replaces Torrado. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
Slightly bitty last couple of moments with Howard Webb forced to issue a number of free kicks for late challenges. Neymar is on the floor once more, but the Barcelona forward does return to his feet moments later. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes at the end of the match.
Neymar is again the inspiration for the home side as he collects a pass from Jo before attempting to round Mier, but once more the Mexican makes the clearance. Perhaps one last chance for Mexico as Barrera delivers another high cross into the box, but Luiz makes the clearance. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining.
GOAL! Brazil 2-0 Mexico (Jo)
Brazil have their second of the match in the final moment as Neymar drives into the box before finding Jo, who cannot miss from close range. Sensational from the young forward once more. That is game, set and match.
FULL-TIME: Brazil 2-0 Mexico
So there we have it. Brazil book their spot in the semi-finals of the competition with a 2-0 win over Mexico. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Japan against Italy, which is due to get underway at 11pm. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
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