Brazil hit their first stumbling block of the World Cup as they found Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa impossible to beat, settling for a less than impressive goalless draw in Fortaleza.
After a cagey start to their World Cup opener against Croatia, Brazil came to life to record a 3-1 win, however the nerves returned with Mexico – and Ochoa – proving more than worthy opponents.
The 28-year-old keeper denied Neymar, who scored twice in the opening defeat of Croatia, with fine saves in either half, stood up well to Paulinho at the end of the first and then beat away a Thiago Silva header at the death.
Jose Juan Vazquez and Hector Herrera had Brazil keeper Julio Cesar wary from distance but it was Mexico's defence and Ochoa that impressed most as they settled for a draw after opening up with a 1-0 defeat of Cameroon themselves.
It is far from disastrous for the hosts with four points in Group A on the board after two games and Cameroon up next but, with Neymar the only player threatening to do anything in front of goal, their passionate – and desperate – fans won't sleep easy.
Brazil's only real effort of the first 15 minutes came when Fred fired an Oscar cross wide of the left post – although he was the wrong side of the Mexican back three and offside.
Cesar tipped a rasping Herrera drive over shortly after but no corner was given and moments later opposite number Ochoa was called into action to prevent Neymar.
Dani Alves delivered a perfect cross from the right and Neymar had the beating of Rafael Marquez in the air but Ochoa quickly leapt to his right to prevent his header from going in.
Vazquez responded soon after with Mexico's best effort – another long-range strike that looked to have Cesar beaten but the ball just sailed wide of the Brazilian's right post.
And it was the host nation who had the last chance of the first half when Silva cleverly chested Neymar's whipped free-kick, and with the offside flag down this time, Paulinho and David Luiz reacted.
Paulinho got there first but Ochoa was equal to his effort while the introduction of Bernard at half-time for Ramires almost paid off immediately as he latched onto a fine Alves ball.
He couldn't pick out Neymar in the box though before Vazquez again fancied his chances from distance in the 55th minute but needed his shot to be a foot lower to find the net.
Mexico were now on top and making the most of poor Brazilian defending with Herrera the next to try his luck from distance but, despite being closer than Vazquez's effort, he couldn't find the target either.
Neymar went close with a free-kick in the 63rd minute and five minutes later had arguably the best chance of the match but still couldn't find a way past Mexican keeper Ochoa.
He showed great technique to chest down a cross from Bernard and open up a gap for a shot at goal but his half-volley was beaten away by Ochoa and Mexico weathered the short storm that followed.
Jo, on for Fred upfront and already causing more problems, snatched at a shot in the 76th minute while ten minutes later Silva had a golden opportunity to steal a late winner for Brazil.
Given a free-kick after Luiz Gustavo was bundled over in the left corner, Silva powered a header goalwards from Neymar's delivery but Ochoa was not to be beaten.
Brazil had claims for a penalty moments later when Raul Jimenez and Marcelo battled in the area but, unlike against Croatia where the referee decided in their favour, this time it was waved away.
Mexico weren't settling for a draw though and both Andres Guardado and Jimenez came close to breaking the deadlock in the closing stages but neither goal was to be breached.
Brazil 0
Mexico 0
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Julio César, Dani Alves, Marcelo, Luiz Gustavo, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Ramires (Bernard 45), Paulinho, Fred (Jo 68), Oscar (Willian 84), Neymar
Subs: Jefferson, Fernandinho, Hulk, Dante, Maxwell, Henrique, Hernanes, Victor, Maicon
Mexico (3-5-2): Ochoa, Aguilar, Layún, Moreno, Márquez, Rodríguez, Herrera (Fabian 76), Vázquez, dos Santos (Jimenez 84), Peralta (Hernandez 74), Guardado
Subs: Corona, Salcido, Reyes, Pulido, Talavera, Ponce, Brizuela, Aquino, Peña
Referee: Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)
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