Brazil vs. Mexico: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 Friendly

Brazil flexed their muscles ahead of the 2015 Copa America, as an experimental side secured a routine 2-0 win over Mexico at Allianz Park.

First-half goals from Philippe Coutinho, his first ever for the Selecao, and Diego Tardelli gave Brazil head coach Dunga’s men a two-goal lead at the interval against a second-string El Tri XI. Both sides struggled for momentum in the second period, as the managers made a succession of substitutions ahead of the Chile showpiece.

With talisman and captain Neymar absent, Dunga used this game to give some fringe players in his squad playing time. But the unfamiliarity throughout the roster was clear in the opening stages of the game, as the Selecao struggled to inject any kind of rhythm into their play.

As Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror noted, Brazil’s flair players failed to get into the game initially:

Coutinho was on hand to provide a vital spark, though. The Liverpool man is playing for a starting spot in this Brazil team at the Chile tournament and comes into this friendly on the heels of a wonderful finish to the campaign domestically. He showed here with a glorious opener exactly why he was named to the PFA Team of the Year.

Nelson Antoine/Associated Press

In the 28th minute a neat turn on the edge of the box saw the midfielder escape his marker before a glance one way fooled the goalkeeper, allowing Coutinho to slot home from a tight angle. Here’s a look at the goal, per the Selecao Brasileira Twitter account:

"

VINE - GOLAÇO de Coutinho! https://t.co/tvK1Wf9I35

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) June 7, 2015"

With the opener secured, Brazil started to play with their patented fluidity. The likes of Coutinho, Fred and Willian began to influence the game in dangerous areas, while El Tri’s makeshift XI were left chasing shadows.

So it was no surprise when the Selecao doubled their lead eight minutes before half-time. Elias played a crucial role, breaking free of the last defender with a nutmeg and into the channel. But instead of shooting, he played a delicate pass across the box and left Tardelli with a tap-in.

Nelson Antoine/Associated Press/Associated Press

As Tim Stillman of Arseblog observed, there were plenty who impressed with some key men absent:

Mexico’s squad for the upcoming Copa suggests that head coach Miguel Herrera will prioritise the Gold Cup this summer, meaning these games offer a good chance for some players on the periphery to make their mark.

ESPN Mexican football expert Tom Marshall thought El Tri actually played pretty well as the referee blew for half-time with the score at 2-0:

As is often the case in friendly matches, a flurry of substitutions disrupted the flow of the match in the second half. Brazil’s tempo dropped with a two-goal lead in hand, and while Mexico were trying to attack, aside from going directly to Raul Jimenez, they didn’t seem to have any idea how to breach a compact, cohesive Brazil back line.

Nelson Antoine/Associated Press

The lull in proceedings didn't surprise Lang:

Brazil introduced Roberto Firmino after an hour, and he’s a player a lot of supporters are expecting big things from when the action gets underway in Chile. But even his considerable talent was unable to breathe life back into this match, as proceedings toiled toward a turgid conclusion.

Coutinho was withdrawn in the 70th minute, and as noted, he will have been happy with his performance:

"

Big game by Coutinho! #BRAMEX

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) June 7, 2015"

Mexico applied some late pressure, but the Selecao's defensive work was diligent and determined. It's a facet of the side that has greatly improved under Brazil's pragmatic boss, and they were able to see this game out without El Tri threatening Jefferson's goal.

Andre Penner/Associated Press

This was a routine victory for Brazil, and it’s a game which will leave Dunga with some intriguing decisions to make ahead of their tournament opener against Peru on Sunday.

Naturally, Neymar will rejoin the team, but the manager has a surfeit of options to choose from in offensive positions. For Dunga, however, the most encouraging aspect to take from this friendly is likely to be the quality of Brazil's defensive work.

Grades

Elias: A

Elias was Brazil’s standout man on the night. He brought real drive to the team, and his piece of play to set up the second goal was mesmeric. There’s a lot of competition for places in this Brazil midfield, but the Corinthians star did his chances no harm whatsoever with an effervescent showing.

Philippe Coutinho: B

This performance will have definitely given Dunga something to think about ahead of the Copa. With Oscar absent through injury, Brazil need a player who marries intricacy and industry in their midfield. That’s exactly what the Liverpool midfielder provided with a classy, well-rounded performance.

Jesus Corona: D

It was always going to be a busy evening between the sticks for the Mexico goalkeeper, but he didn’t cover himself in glory with a jaded display. He will have been disappointed not to have done better with Coutinho’s goal and was a nervy presence at the back throughout a disjointed game.