Brazil fell to a shock defeat against Mexico in the opening match of their Copa America defense on Wednesday. Goals from Nery Castillo and Ramon Morales were enough for Mexico to claim a priceless 2-0 victory over the defending champions.

Both the teams started the match strongly, with Brazil determined to avoid a repeat of the result when both the team met last time, when Mexico defeated Brazil 1-0 in the Confederations Cup. Brazil was the first to put the ball in the net, when Diego scored following a fine move by his team. However his effort was ruled out as offside by the linesman.

Brazil continued to press forward and came close to scoring in the 21st minute when Robinho's bicycle attempt flew just over the crossbar. Brazil was made to pay for the missed chance three minutes later when Castillo scored a spectacular goal.

The 23-year old took possession of the ball outside the penalty area and outfoxed Maicon with a exquisite lob over the defender before chipping the ball over keeper Doni to score his team's first goal in the competition.

Brazil responded to the goal with a determined fashion and should have taken the lead through Vager Love, but the striker's shot went wide of the post. Mexico doubled its lead five minutes later when Morales hit a text book free kick from the edge of the area that left Doni stunned on the spot.

The Mexican team then tried to play it safe, exchanging short passes to run down the clock for half time. Brazil came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and Anderson, who replaced Diego at half time, very nearly pulled one back with a stinging drive that clipped the upright.

Mexico could have extended its lead through Cacho on 55 minutes, but Doni pulled off a spectacular save to deny the goal. Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa then pulled off a series of outstanding saves to deny the Brazilians as Robinho, Afonso and Anderson were unable to break through the keeper.

Robinho should have pulled one back in the 71st minute, but his shot hit the far post before bouncing out of play. Three minutes later Alex saw his header from a Maicon corner cleared off the line while Ochoa once again pulled off a great save to deny Robinho with just 2 minutes remaining.

Brazil face Chile in the next match on July 1 while Mexico is pitted against Ecuador.