FORTALEZA – Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said that the 2014 FIFA World Cup hosts had reason to be satisfied with their performance despite being held to a 0-0 Group A draw by Mexico in Fortaleza on Tuesday.

The Selecao struggled to break down the Mexican backline at the Castelao Stadium, and when they did they came undone against inspired goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who made three stunning saves, two to deny Neymar and one from a late Thiago Silva header.

But Scolari was bullish in front of the press, emphasising that Brazil remain on course to qualify for the last 16, with the Mexico draw following their opening 3-1 win against Croatia in Sao Paulo.

"In my opinion - it’s my own, not that of the critics - the team played better than they did against Croatia,” he said. "There was at least an extra 10 per cent than what there was against Croatia.

"The team has evolved. We can still improve, but we can still qualify for the next round. We showed quality, so I am satisfied.”

Cameroon and Croatia were due to meet in another Group A game in Manaus on Wednesday night, but regardless of the outcome in that encounter, Brazil know a win against Cameroon in Brasilia on 23 June will secure their place in the knockout phase.