FIFA World Cup 2014: Ochoa heroics help Mexico earn draw against Brazil
Fortaleza: An unheralded Mexican goalkeeper took centre stage at the World Cup here Tuesday, almost single-handedly keeping mighty Brazil at bay to help his side earn a precious 0-0 draw.
After an opening week of the tournament which has been dominated by goalscorers, Guillermo Ochoa seized his moment to shine in Mexico's Group A clash with Brazil.
Ochoa pulled off an incredible diving stop from a Neymar header and a series of other extraordinary saves, holding up Brazil's march toward qualification for the last 16.
The 28-year-old, who has no club as his contract with French club AC Ajaccio has ended, did a lap of honour around the Fortaleza Castelao Stadium after one of the great World Cup goalkeeping performances.
Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa makes a save during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Mexico
Basketball hero Kobe Bryant hailed "OCHOA!! Incredible" in a Tweet within minutes of the game ending.
Ochoa's Wikipedia page was swiftly hacked to hail him as "the Mexican Jesus after his performance against Brazil."
"Is that the greatest match of my career? Without a doubt," a delighted Ochoa said. "It's the highlight. Playing in a World Cup, against Brazil, in Brazil, and not conceding a goal? It's definitely the best highlight."
The precious draw left Mexico level with Brazil on four points from two games. While Ochoa deservedly grabbed the headlines, Brazil finished the game relieved to have earned a point.
Brazil's Neymar is tripped by Mexico's Francisco Rodriguez
Mexico had several late chances to score a shock upset, with Brazil grateful to their own goalkeeper Julio Cesar for keeping the match goalless.
The draw maintained Mexico's impressive recent record against Brazil following their shock victory in the final of the London Olympics football tournament in 2012.
The result leaves Group A finely balanced. Brazil face Cameroon in their final match while Mexico play Croatia.
Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, right, deflects a ball as Brazil's David Luiz, left, and Paulinho approach
"The only thing missing was the goal," Scolari said. "We need to give credit to their goalkeeper. He had a great day and that kept us from winning the match. He made some spectacular saves, was the best player of the match."
Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar makes a save
Mexico had won six of the last 10 matches, including in the final of the 2012 London Olympics, keeping the Brazilians from earning their first gold medal in football. In their latest match, Brazil won 2-0 in last year's Confederations Cup, also in Fortaleza and also in the second match of the group stage.
Brazil's Dani Alves, left, goes to ground after being fouled
