Mexico and Brazil played to an exhilarating 0-0 draw that kept both sides at the top of Group A and moved them closer to the knockout rounds. Here are some observations of arguably the best game in the tournament to date.

1. Guillermo Ochoa shines

Prior to the start of the tournament, many felt that Jose Corona would be the man between the pipes for Mexico. He was a solid veteran that had led the team for the last few years and his reserved nature seemed to strike the right balance for his side. Meanwhile, Guillermo Ochoa was known as a celebrity that could be polarizing. When Miguel Herrera announced that Ochoa would be his man, many were surprised by the selection. However, two games in this has proven to be the best possible decision. He made a crucial save late in the Cameroon game to keep El Tri ahead 1-0, but that moment was only a prelude to what would follow against Brazil. "Memo," as he is often called, made six saves (most of the spectacular variety) to earn Mexico a 0-0 draw against the host nation. His saves were so great that it is truly impossible to pick out the best of the bunch.

2. Brazil remains unconvincing

The host nations is widely viewed as the favorite to lift the trophy on July 13, but the two performances thus far have left a lot to be desired. The Samba Kings lacked creativity on the attack and seemed to have no solution for Mexico's insistence on clogging the middle of the park. The team was thus forced to work on the flanks and throw in crosses. It worked, but with mixed results. While Brazil's inability has a lot to do with Ochoa, it also has to do with the fact that the Selecao struggled to get in behind Mexico's defense on the break.

But that is not the most worrisome information from the hosts. Brazil started the second half following the ball and looking bewildered by a terrific Mexican transition game. El Tri put on an inspired performance that made Brazil look not only discombobulated, but vulnerable on the back end. This does not bode well for Brazil's chances to win it all.

3. Mexico inspired in midfield, but not in the box

Mexico played a terrific game throughout. Not only did the team shut down the midfield play of its rivals, but it caught them flat-footed on the break time and again. It was fascinating to watch El Tri move up the pitch and build anticipation. The problem was that once the team arrived in the final third, it seemed to lack the creativity to get into the box. Mexico did not get a quality chance while inside the penalty area and was often forced to fire long ranged shots from outside. They all missed and the team was left without the much-needed goal.

Forwards Oribe Peralta, Giovanni Dos Santos, and Javier Hernandez rarely had a major influence on the game close to the net and will need to either find more creativity between themselves, or simply hope that their teammates pick up the slack.

4. The No-Fred Show

Diego Costa was a flop for Spain. But even he was more noticeable than Fred has been for his side. The Brazilian striker was always a controversial pick for Luiz Felipe Scolari, but he looms large as a massive mistake. He was great in the Confederations Cup last summer; but then again so were Kaka and Ronaldinho in the Confederations Cups that preceded their respective World Cups. Fred is following in the footsteps of those two great players, but the difference is that he has never been great and has done a terrific job of proving it in this tournament. The forward has barely been involved in the play and his biggest influence thus far has been to flop about and fake contact from the opposition. The fact that he was subbed out for Jo indicates that Scolari might have had enough. The problem is that Jo is no superstar himself. Brazil may be in trouble moving forward without a viable striker.

Man of the Match

Mexico: Ochoa was undoubtedly Mexico's savior in this match. He made a plethora of great saves, including a header from Neymar that he caught right on the line.

Brazil: Hard to claim that any player had a great game for Brazil, but Neymar was the most adept at creating chances.

Flop of the Match

Mexico: Javier Hernandez came on as a sub late in the game, but did nothing to prove that he deserves to be a starter. He misread a plethora of plays and was barely able to touch the ball.

Brazil: There is no doubt that Fred is simply a waste of space for the host nations. He has no influence on the play and his teammates rarely ever find him with the ball.