Goalkeepers day out in World Cup: Mexico's Ochoa hero, Russia's Akinfeev villain

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa produced a heroic performance in a 0-0 draw with Brazil and his Russian counterpart Igor Akinfeev was the villain in a 1-1 draw with South Korea as the World Cup produced more drama on Tuesday.

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Ochoa produced four world class saves to deny Paulinho, Neymar (twice) and Thiago Silva when they seemed certain to score in an intense, end-to-end match in tropical Fortaleza which left both teams with four points from two games in Group A.

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Silva thought he had won the game in the closing minutes with a powerful header only to see his effort parried at point blank range by the Mexican keeper.

-PHOTOS: Ochoa steals the show as Mexico hold Brazil

Despite the scoreline, the match was anything but dull and the Mexicans enjoyed long periods of possession, bravely taking the game to the hosts in the second half.

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"I believe this was the best match of my life because this was a World Cup game and this is very important," said Ochoa.

"I don't know whether I can think of another goalkeeper in memory...someone who has done what Memo (Ochoa) did today," Mexico coach Miguel Herrera told a news conference.

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While Ochoa kept Brazil at bay, the hapless Akinfeev was left to bury his head in his hands after he allowed Lee Keun-ho's straightforward shot from 25 metres to slip through his grasp.

-PHOTOS Kerzkakhov saves the day for Russia vs Korea

In the Group H clash in Cuiaba, Akinfeev's blushes on 68 minutes were spared when veteran Alexander Kerzhakov pounced to equalise for Russia after more scrappy goalkeeping by Jung Sung-ryong six minutes later.