Brazil and Mexico are goalless at the interval following an uneventful first half in Fortaleza.

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A slow start to the contest for the hosts allowed Mexico to carve out the first real opportunity after 25 minutes, with Hector Herrera beating two defenders before getting a shot away at goal which was kept out by Julio Cesar.

Two minutes later Brazil came alive as Neymar planted a header towards the bottom corner of the net, only for Guillermo Ochoa to produce a fine save to deny the forward.

Miguel Layun was the next player to try his luck, but his effort from distance following a loose header from Thiago Silva was high and wide of the target.

A cross into the box moments before the end of the half almost provided the breakthrough goal when David Luiz found himself unmarked inside the box, but Ochoa was once more on hand to pull off a close-range save to deny Brazil.

Written by
Daniel Lewis