The first-half had been a disaster. Brazil went behind to a comedy own goal from David Luiz, after a mix-up with goalkeeper Jefferson, before Dani Alves conceded a penalty leading to the defender’s dismissal for a second yellow card.
Jefferson atoned for the earlier mix-up, saving the penalty from Andrés Guardado and keeping the toothless Brazil side in touch at the interval.
With a man less, Brazil were pinned back by Mexico, with Jefferson making a string of fine saves to keep the score at only 1-0.
Brazil did have a chance through Ronaldinho, but fine defending from Osvaldo Sánchez denied the player a goalscoring chance, much to the delight of the partisan home support.
Brazil started to have more possession, but options in attack were limited and the Seleção struggled to breakdown the opposition.
In the 78th minute, Ronaldinho was to change the game. Neymar was fouled near the edge of the area and up stepped the Flamengo magician to curl the free-kick into the back of the net, past the helpless goalkeeper.
Somehow Brazil were level and it was to get better still. Marcelo, the explosive Real Madrid full-back played a quick one-two with Neymar, before beating two opponents down the left-channel, then firing home with immense power.
Brazil were saved, Mano Menezes could relax once more and the fans were content. Brazil will be pleased with the result, but there are many aspects of the performance that must be improved for the next game.
