Mexico Tops Brazil, 2-0 Keith Hickey - Huffington Post
go to original June 4, 2012

Mexico, preparing for next weekend’s start to the third phase of Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, made it three wins out of three in warm-up matches in the United States having also beaten Wales and Bosnia.

Mexico may have lost the possession battle, but a superior cutting edge saw El Tri pull out a 2-0 victory against Brazil in front of a partisan crowd at Cowboys Stadium.

Brazil saw more of the ball, but the Mexican counterattack proved too much for a side that had defeated the United States 4-1 just a few days prior. Giovanni dos Santos scored a spectacular effort in the 22nd minute, receiving a long ball on the left flank and cutting inside to chip Rafael and bank his shot in off the post.

The erstwhile Tottenham Hotspur attacker was again involved when Mexico doubled its lead. A clumsy challenge from Juan brought down dos Santos inside the area, and Javier Hernandez's almost-too-calm finish made it 2-0.

Brazil, despite handily winning the midfield battle, had no offensive response, with Hulk and Neymar unable to effectively penetrate the deep-lying Mexico back line.

Mexico could have opened up clear space after the restart, but a brilliant passing move was squandered by Jesus Zavala, and soon after Andres Guardado saw his shot saved when some poor defensive work allowed him a chance close in.

With dos Santos subbed off in the second half, it fell to Hernandez to turn creator, and Chicharito did just that, setting up Aldo de Nigris for an excellent chance. de Nigris returned the favor, playing through Hernandez, but his shot was right at Rafael.

Brazil's best chance of the game fell to Alexandre Pato in the 76th, but the Milan striker whiffed at Hulk's brilliant cross from four yards out with the goal at his mercy.

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