Scolari says Mexico deserved a point against Brazil

Scolari says Mexico deserved a point against Brazil

Published Jun. 18, 2014 6:32 a.m. ET

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had no complaints with the result after his side were held to a 0-0 draw by Mexico in Fortaleza.

The home side were far from their best as they had to settle for a point in their second game in Group A.

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa denied Brazil the victory they craved with an impressive showing for Mexico as he made four top-class saves to keep the hosts at bay.

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Despite seeing his side held to a draw, Scolari insisted he was happy with his side's performance.

"I am satisfied. It was a good game, both teams showed they wanted the goal, showed quality, teamwork, physical strength. The 0-0 reflects well how the game was," Scolari told Sportv.

Scolari conceded the draw was not the result he was looking for, but warned the country's fans they will not have things all their own way in the tournament. 

"Brazil have been playing the same way for the last 20 games, we showed quality, but the draw is not a good result," added Scolari.

"We're facing good teams, we have to remember that. We have to respect our opposition."

Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar praised the performance of his Mexico counterpart Ochoa, while admitting Brazil were not at their free-flowing best.

"We knew it would be a tough game, it always is against Mexico, we didn't play our best game," admitted Cesar.

"Ochoa made great saves, it was an open game. Congratulations to both teams, they played a great game.

Substitute Jo admitted they have now set their sights on sealing qualification in their final group game against Cameroon in Brasilia next Monday.

"The draw is important, we wanted to win but this is the World Cup, there are 11 players in the other team too," he said.

"They marked well, it was a very interesting game. Our finishing was poor, but we got one point. Now we have to qualify in Brasilia."

Fred was not surprised at how difficult Mexico made life for Brazil and singled out Ochoa for special praise for denying his side a goal.

"We were already expecting this level of difficulty because in the Confederations Cup we only scored the second goal in the end," admitted Fred. 

"It was a very tough and open game. But today it was even more open, with chances for both teams and I must congratulate their goalkeeper, who made at least four miraculous saves."

Fred also admitted he is hoping to improve his own performance after again failing to shine following a disappointing performance in the opening day win against Croatia.

"I am trying to improve, to start scoring goals again," added Fred. 

"It wasn't possible today and it wasn't possible in the first game either, but I am sure I'll score against Cameroon."

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