Brazil full-back Marcelo has insisted the referee denied his team a penalty kick in the 0-0 draw with Mexico in Salvador.

The left-back burst forward into the box late in the second half and looked set to open up a clear chance for his side when he went down amidst a tangle with Raul Jimenez, but despite protests from the players and fans, the officials remained unmoved.

Marcelo is sure that contact was made, and told journalists after the contest: "When I controlled the ball, he grabbed my shoulder. And if he pulled me inside the box, it was a penalty.

"He pulled me. If he hadn't done that, I would've taken the ball. I would've made it to the ball and crossed it to one of my team mates."

Team-mate Bernard believes that the most important aspect of the evening was the fact that Brazil did not lose the match.

"What we made very clear in the dressing room was that the most important thing was not the victory," he said. "It was to avoid a defeat.

"If we lost, we might not qualify as top in the group. We know the draw was a good result as well. Both teams had opportunities. Whoever scored first would cause complications for the opponent."