Fortaleza (Brazil), June 18:
Mexico’s little-known goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa proved to be an unbreachable wall for Brazil as the five-time champions were held to a goalless draw while Russia and South Korea also split points on the sixth day of the FIFA World Cup.
Brazil would have booked a round of 16 berth had they beaten Mexico but Ochoa produced at least two stunning saves in a heroic display to deny the Selecao a win in a high-voltage Group A clash here.
The 28-year-old Ochoa, who plays in France for AC Ajaccio, first thwarted Neymar’s 26th minute header with a spectacular dive to his right and then blocked Thiago Silva’s headed attempt in the 87th minute to the huge groan of the sea of yellow-clad local fans.
In the other late match of the day, Russia and South Korea settled for a 1-1 draw. Alexander Kerzhakov pulled one back for Russia after rival substitute Lee Keun-Ho put South Korea ahead with a stunning 30 metre shot.
The big match of the day was, however, the contest between South American rivals Brazil and Mexico.
Superstar Neymar, who scored twice in Brazil’s 3-1 opening match win against Croatia, had plenty of ball possession and made some threatening runs into the rival box under hot and humid conditions at Estadio Castelao.
But ultimately, the five-time champions failed to break down the stubborn Mexican defence and the seemingly impenetrable wall thrown around their goal by Ochoa. Mexico survived the grinding offence from Brazil and frustrated the hosts’ march to the second round.
After last night’s draw, Brazil and Mexico occupy the top spot in Group A on four points each. The group, which also has Croatia and Cameroon, is now wide open.
In a Group H match in Belo Horizonte, Belgium made a stunning rally to beat Algeria 2-1 with two second half goals.
Widely billed the dark horses to lift the trophy, Belgium had to toil hard to erase the 0-1 deficit after Algeria had taken a surprise lead in the 25th minute against the run of play through a penalty kick conversion by Sofiane Feghouli.
Belgium, whose most of players ply trade in top European clubs, turned the match on its head with two goals in the space of 10 minutes.
Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini equalised in the 70th minute through a glancing header before substitute Dries Mertens made a fierce finish with a low shot for the winning goal in the 80th minute.
South Korea then held Russia 1-1 in another drawn match in the same group under hot and humid conditions at Cuiaba. Kerzhakov rescued Russia in their first World Cup finals match since 2002, scoring three minutes after coming on as substitute.(PTI)
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