Puerto La Cruz (Venezuela): Brazil were undone by a slice of magical talent on Wednesday as they fell 2-0 to Mexico in their first competitive match under coach Dunga.
Nery Castillo set Mexico on their way with a goal any Brazilian player would have been proud of before Ramon Morales curled in a 30-metre free-kick.
Defending champions Brazil were raring to go and bury the memories of last year's lacklustre display at the World Cup. They had played only friendlies since Dunga took over in August, losing once in nine outings.
But against all odds, Mexico went ahead in the 21st minute with a sublime piece of skill by Castillo, who chose to play for Mexico this year after also being chased by Uruguay and Greece.
Second Win
Latching onto Juan Carlos Cacho's chip into the area, the Olympiakos striker flicked the ball over Juan and then past goalkeeper Doni without letting it touch the ground in the 21st minute. Morales's free-kick eight minutes later gave Mexico their second successive win over Brazil following their 1-0 victory at the Confederations Cup two years ago.
Brazil took control of the game in the second half but were foiled by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, the crossbar and defender Fausto Pinto, who cleared one chance off the line. With the last move of the game, Castillo broke away, ran half the length of the pitch, rounded Doni and then shot wide of the open goal.
"We lost concentration and conceded the goals," said Dunga. "We recovered and showed our quality but the ball would not go in."
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