Midfield problems haunt host

Brazil failed to win for the first time in 11 games, with its own lackluster midfield as much to blame for the 0-0 draw with Mexico as the inspired goalkeeping performance of Guillermo Ochoa.

Brazil opened Tuesday's World Cup Group A match with a midfield trio of Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo and Ramires, who started on the right in place of usual starter Hulk. Oscar played slightly further forward, between the midfield and attack.

But Ramires was taken off at halftime and Oscar was also substituted before the end, while Paulinho looked out of sorts and was lucky to last the whole 90 minutes in Fortaleza.