The Mexican national team is a marketing phenomenon perhaps unparalleled in the world of soccer.
With millions of fans on both sides of the border, the stadiums are packed every time El Tri plays in the United States.
Saturday will be no exception. At Kyle Field in College Station, Mexico will face Brazil, the only team to have won the FIFA World Cup trophy five times.
The Mexico-Brazil confrontation has become a bitter rivalry over time. Between 1999 and 2007, Mexico achieved a streak of six wins, two draws, and only one defeat against Brazil.
The first match occurred in the 1950 World Cup, which took place on Brazilian soil. Brazil won that match 4-0.
Since then, both teams have played 41 times; Brazil has won 24. Mexico has won 10. They have tied seven times..
These are the five games that make Mexico vs Brazil a great rivalry.
1- 1999 Confederations Cup
Mexico’s victory over Brazil in 1999 was the Confederations Cup Final held at the Azteca Stadium. That is the only FIFA trophy a Mexican team with no age limit has won. Mexico beat Brazil 4-3.
2- 2012 Olympic Games
For many, this is the most outstanding achievement in the history of Mexican soccer.
In the London Olympic Games final, Mexico faced Brazil. In a memorable performance by the team managed by coach Fernando Tena, El Tri won the gold medal in a packed Wembley Stadium with two goals from Oribe Peralta.
3- 2014 World Cup
In the group stage, Mexico had to face the tournament’s host. In that game, Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa became a legend by stopping a header from Neymar in the goal line. The game ended 0-0, and Mexico advanced to the next round.
4- 2001 Copa America
In the Copa America held in Colombia, Mexico beat Brazil 1-0 with a goal from Jared Borgetti. Mexico reached the final game of the continental tournament but lost 1-0 to the host team.
5- 1968 First victory for Mexico
With two goals from the legendary Enrique Borja, Mexico beat Brazil 2-1 in a friendly match held at the Azteca Stadium on July 10, 1968. It was the first time El Tri beat the Brazilian squad.
