Ochoa
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa says his clean sheet against World Cup hosts Brazil was best the game of his career to date.
The shot-stopper made several excellent saves to keep his side level with the Selecao, with particular highlights being the dive to keep out a fabulous Neymar header and then denying Thiago Silva’s point-blank effort.
And the 28-year-old, who was vying for the Mexico No.1 shirt in the build-up to the finals, was delighted to shutout the tournament hosts and favourites and earn his side a vital draw.
“Yes, there’s no doubt about that,” he replied when asked if it was the best game of his career. “To play like that during a World Cup against the hosts and keep a clean sheet… that’s not easy.
“I thank God that it all turned out like it did. I’m very happy, I never gave up and I kept plugging away. Now I just want to enjoy the moment with my team-mates and my family, who are suffering like I am.”Ochoa revealed it was his stretch to keep out Neymar’s header which was is favourite – a save which invoked comparisons on social media of England keeper Gordon Banks’ famous save from Pele in 1970.
“The first one, from Neymar’s header – that was the most difficult one, he struck the ball very cleanly,” said Ochoa.
“We knew that it would be a difficult game as it always is when you are playing Brazil, at home. That’s what we expected in the first half – we knew that they would be doubly fired-up by their home support.
“We were solid defensively, and that’s a real plus point for us and encouraging for what’s to come.”
Ochoa was named Fifa’s Man of the Match and had praise heaped upon him after the match from rivals Brazil, including Fred, who told reporters: “He performed four miracles – at the very least.”{GOAL}
