Brazil's Neymar (C) fights for the ball with Mexico's Andres Guardado (R) during their Confederations Cup Group A soccer match at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza, June 19, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Brazil opened the scoring after a run by Barcelona right back Daniel Alves down the right side. His cross to striker Fred inside the area was partially cleared by Mexico captain Francisco Rodriguez. The ball went toward Neymar, who struck a difficult shot on the volley.

With the clock running down and Mexico pressing desperately to tie it, Neymar wriggled through two defenders near the touchline and crossed for Jo to score from 5 yards. Neymar was named man of the match for the second time in a row.

It was Brazil's first match since the players publicly expressed their support to a historic wave of protests that has swept across the South American nation in recent days to demand for better public services to the population.

Neymar, recently signed by Barcelona and Brazil's biggest star, has been criticized for not being able to replicate his Santos success with the national team, but he has played well in the first two games at the Confederations Cup.

"Neymar has the skills, and he created problems for the players from Mexico the entire match," Scolari said. "He did what we needed him to do to help us break through the Mexican defense."

Brazil's Jo (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Mexico during their Confederations Cup Group A soccer match at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza, June 19, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Neymar almost scored his second goal of the day with a shot that went over the crossbar in the 23rd. In the 56th, he sped past a defender and shot just wide, and in the 66th his low right-footed shot was tipped away by goalkeeper Jose Corona after a powerful run by midfielder Paulinho.

Daniel Alves nearly added to Brazil's lead in the 14th with a remarkable lob shot that forced Corona to make a difficult save with the tip of his gloves. Oscar had a goal disallowed just five minutes into the match because Neymar was caught offsides before making a cross to the Chelsea playmaker. Captain Thiago Silva also had a goal called off for offsides in the 47th.

Hulk had his chance after a pass by Neymar in the 55th, but his shot from close range struck the side of the net.

Mexico's only significant chance in the first half came with a low cross shot by Hiram Mier that just missed the target in the 16th.