Brazil vs. Mexico, 2013 Confederations Cup: Halftime score 1-0, El Tri in trouble
Things have gone about as expected so far in Fortaleza.
Mexico has raised their game against a top opponent again but, just like in their game against Italy,it has yet to result in them taking a lead. Mexico has kept Brazil at bay for the most part and even looked lively in attack during the first half, but one moment of brilliance from Neymar has the hosts up 1-0 at halftime of this Confederations Cup tilt.
El Tri started very slow, dropping deep and giving Brazil plenty of space in midfield. That backfired, however, and led to numerous early chances for Brazil. Their goal came in the 9th minute on a great strike from Brazil's biggest star. Dani Alves set up the goal with a dangerous cross into the box that 'Maza' Francisco Rodriguez got a touch to, but couldn't clear completely away from danger. That set up Neymar stepping up and drilling a volley past Jose Corona from the edge of the box to give his team the lead.
Mexico was much better after the goal and perhaps even the better side in the last 20 minutes of the first half. They let Hulk and Neymar break away from them on a couple of dangerous-looking counters, but always recovered well and didn’t allow Brazil to do much in the way of building sustained attacks at the end of the half.
Oh, and an odd note about this one: Neymar has been very active, but not very good defensively. He’s committed four fouls in the first half and was probably lucky not to get another for persistent fouling.
