Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Brazil and Belgium prove old adage that there are no easy games at the World Cup

CP28797615
Mexico\'s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa makes a save during the group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Mexico at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil, Tuesday, June 17, 2014. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazil and Belgium proved the old adage that there are no easy games at the World Cup.

Brazil failed to beat Mexico for the first time at a World Cup, held to a 0-0 draw in their second game in Group A.

With Neymar rampant through the middle, Marcelo ever-willing to go forward and Oscar supplying passes, Brazil should be scoring almost at will. Time and again, Brazil’s yellow shirts swarmed over Mexico’s penalty box.

But shots went awry, Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was outstanding and Brazil is clearly missing a top-notch centre-forward. Fred had a first-half effort disallowed for offside.

Belgium is talked about as a possible contender at this World Cup. But for the longest time in its laboured 2-1 win against Algeria, it wasn’t clear why.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles