Mexico are currently beating Copa América holders Brazil 2-0 at half-time in their opening Copa América Group B match in the Estadio Cachamay, Puerto Ordaz on Wednesday, with a goal from Olympiakos striker Nery Castillo opening the scoring against the run of play, and the El Tri then doubling their score with a sublime free-kick from Chivas midfielder Ramón Morales.

Brazil had complete control of the match during the early stages and should have taken the lead in the 6th minute, when Diego had a decent chance on goal and Alex having another chance in the 11th minute, with a long-range shot that went inches wide of the Mexico goal, with Mexico goalkeeper Francisco Guillermo Ochoa diving to cover.

Pachuca striker Juan Carlos Cacho had Mexico’s first attempt on goal in the 20th minute, which went just wide of the Brazil goal, not causing the inexperienced Brazilian keeper Doni any problems in the Seleçao goal.

The pressure from Brazil was constant, but the solid defending from Mexico paid off when, in the 23rd minute Olympiakos striker Nery Castillo broke through the Brazil defence, flicking the ball over Maicon and slamming home a goal from close-range past Doni to make it 1-0 to Mexico, against the run-of-play.

From then on Mexico were the team in command, with Brazil having to repeatedly repel the incisive runs from Castillo and Cacho.

Just before the half-hour mark, a free-kick was awarded to Mexico roughly 5 yards from the edge of the Brazil penalty-area after Elano pulled down Castro, with Chivas midfielder Ramón Morales stepping up to take a stunning, curling free-kick that flew past Doni, who was left rooted to the spot, to make it 2-0 to the jubilant El Tri.

Mexico finished the half the team in command, taking a shock 2-0 lead into half-time in the Copa América 2007 Group B match.

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