Brazil vs. Mexico: Finding Positives for Brazil Following Stunning Upset Loss

The scoreline of Brazil's 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mexico in their friendly match Sunday afternoon may look ugly at first glance, but there's plenty of good for the five-time World Cup champions to take out of their performance against the North American foe. 

Mexico struck first in this bout with a brilliant goal in the 22nd minute by 23-year-old phenom Giovani dos Santos, who was given little room in the least dangerous part of the box. He connected with an insane lob over Rafael to give the apparent home team (the game was played in Arlington, Texas) an early lead that Brazil couldn't overcome.

The goal was in no part due to bad defense, as Brazil's backs were running Dos Santos out of bounds and left him with a very narrow shot that needed to be placed perfectly over the head of Rafael.

After this goal and the firestorm that Dos Santos has opened up in some showings in a Mexican uniform, we're left shaking our heads wondering why Tottenham hasn't found a spot for him to shine in the Premier League and continues to loan him out.

He was one of the only Mexicans on the pitch who would be able to thrive on the team they beat Sunday. 

Mexico's second goal came on a penalty by Javier Hernandez (Chicharito) after Dos Santos drew one. Brazil did seem sloppy on the defensive end with many of their attempts to dispossess, but this shouldn't be a recurring problem for arguably the most skilled defensive squad in the world. 

Brazil, who remain one of the strongest candidates for a World Cup favorite in 2014, were not shy in attempting to claw back into this one. They seemed to be in control of the game, especially early on when Mexico was pulling away on the scoreline.

Brazil's eight corner kicks and 16 shots speak to the efficiency they showed on the pitch, but they couldn't convert on many chances that you'd fancy Brazil to finish with ease.

Mexico's best chances came on the counter attack, and it was obvious that Brazil had the superior skill on the pitch. They simply didn't execute, and when they did, they found themselves missing uncharacteristic shots and becoming exposed to poor officiating. 

Blaming the referees usually gets you nothing but a fine after the game has been decided, but Brazil can argue that some 50/50 calls didn't go their way, and it may have been the difference in the game. Porto star Hulk was denied multiple penalty calls and seemed to be gunning hard for goals all game.

Mexico was obviously the more prepared team by executing many well-worked offside traps and counter-attacks which ultimately decided the game.

But you can't blame Brazil for not quite getting up to a friendly bout that is their second-to-last appearance until mid-August. Sunday's loss was the third friendly in a little over a week, and they won the previous two games by a combined score of 7-2 against World-Cup-worthy foes U.S. and Scotland. 

It's safe to say Dos Santos has underplayed his potential as a whole in his time as a professional and international footballer, but when he's on, no one can stop him. It's hard to imagine Mexico as a team dangerous enough to knock off the all-mighty Brazil at ease, but nothing's far-fetched when Dos Santos is paired with Chicharito on the pitch.

Games in any sport can play out in such a way that the final score poorly illustrates each team's success, and this is a prime example. Mexican coach Jose Manuel de la Torre got plenty out of his national squad, and they earned this exciting victory for their nation—but it's impossible to say that Brazil played deserving of a zero-goal showcase. 

It's hard to imagine this Brazil team dominating the score game in and game out, as they undoubtedly have some young pieces, talented as they might be, that need time and experience before their World Cup that's just two summers away. But we've still seen some stellar football from the best team in the world over these recent weeks, and they have plenty to build on moving forward to their friendly with rival Argentina.