Cameroon were dire against Mexico.

I wish they kept the 8pm and 11pm kick-off times.

Its totally stupid to have knock-out games kicking off at 12/1pm over there.

Just what I thought. You can't see it very well, but that save tonight certainly reminded me of it whatever the so called experts say who are moaning.

I think I read somewhere that the police of Brazil insisted on not too many night kick-off's for security reasons.

Nah, I think they're a poor side. They'll look to frustrate at best but Brazil should beat them. I would hope that Scolari fields a more attacking line-up.

That's a shame. Games played in the cool night sky is much has a much better feel to it

The goals from the European teams must have come from the Andromeda Galaxy then.......

The trouble with Brazil is that they're a team too reliant on an individual; Neymar. While under-par teams relying on particular individuals can go far in the WC (and have in the past) it's extremely rare they go on to win the competition - furthermore Neymar's still growing as a player; he's not really at his peak. It's a bit much to expect him to do everything, especially considering Brazil's attacking options seem so poor. Alves' and Marcelo's offensive game is not what is was (despite Marcelo coming off the back of an impressive CL final performance), Brazil have gone from strikers/midfielders such as a Pele, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Romario, and Ronaldinho, to the likes of Fred and Jo; which says it all. They are really suffering from a lack of a creative midfielder, more than anything.

I still expect them to go to the round of 16, but if they're going to progress a miraculous improvement is needed.

Dodgy graphics ....Mexico had about 15 shots on goal but maybe a couple of shots on target .

Well they have to win their next two matches!

That's why so many of us found it ridiculous that Coutinho isn't in the squad. He offers something different to the rest of their midfield and could have a nice partnership with Oscar.

They rely on Neymar both to create and score. He can't be expected to do both. He's vastly overrated as well. He's good but he's far from being in Messi and Ronaldo's league.

Agreed on Countinho; I also find it unbelievable Felipe Luis and Miranda didn't get picked.

This Brazil side isn't good enough to win the World Cup from what we've seen so far.
You have to give credit to Mexico for not settling for a draw and going for a win right to the end, no goals conceded in 2 games they could go further than expected.

That's what FIFA told them to say

Late afternoon and evening matches are much better for European tv broadcasters.

Plus Lucas Maura

Brazil's gameplan is to finish 2nd in the group so they avoid high possibility of playing spain if spain finish second. However its a high risk to undertake, if Spain do not finish second and they fail to go through in the last match of the group. It was greatly obvious from their lack of motivation against Mexico. There wasn't great determination to push attackers forward, and neymar playing very deep. Their gameplan may backfire.

They're aiming for second place? I guess they'll tank their next match with Cameroon then...

Brazil play their final group game already knowing how Spain got on in their last group game. Scope for dodginess there, me thinks.

I still wouldn't write off the current Brazil team. It was a tough game for them, but Mexico are certainly no pushover.
I agree with others, Scolari hasn't selected the best squad from all the players he had available to choose from, and he isn't picking the best team from the squad he finally selected. I've never been a big fan of Fred, but his contribution in the two games so far has been non-existent. When Hulk is fit, bring him back with Oscar and Willian as the attacking midfield trio. Play Neymar up front in a more or less free role. Bring in Fernandinho in place of Paulinho, that should give them a more balanced look..in my opinion.
I still think there's enough quality in the squad to go all the way, but all the big name players are going to have to up their game.

Brazil would be more potemt if they stayed on their feet rather than always looking for the penalty.

What does Hulk offer to the team apart from an occasional shot on goal ??

The Mexican goalie is a free agent I understand - going to be a few clubs queuing up for his signature now I suspect.

I know he divides opinion. Many regard him as a rather lazy mercenary who just follows the money. But on his day he's a nightmare for defenders, fast and powerful with a ferocious shot.
I just think with the alternatives avaiable, he would be worth the gamble. Playing in front of the fanatical Brazilian supporters in the World Cup, we might see the player he could have been. I've seen him put iin some great performances, but he is inconsistent.

Agree with others on this thread, should have taken Coutinho and Lucas Moura.

Fernandinho should definitely come in for Paulinho, he has been so poor in the two games. He doesn't offer much in attack or defence.

Sorry, I don't get this. If Brazil finish second, they'll play the team that finished first, which is likely to be Holland. Surely that's a more scarier prospect than Spain right now?