BRAZIL VS MEXICO

Since hosting the tournament in 1986, Mexico have failed to make it to the quarter finals despite being round of 16 regulars. This games involves two football crazy nations but in terms of matching success with passion it is Brazil who have come out on top at the world stage.

With the mexicans exiting the world cup at this stage since their ban in 1990, it is also worthy of note that the odds of this game arent in their favour. That being said it should also be noted that they did pull off a shocking upset during the group stages. They defeated the defending champions Germany in the opening game of the campaign but lost the final group game 3-0 to sweden which brings them to face brazil, an opposition they would have been happy to avoid Brazil.

With the game against Brazil at hand, they would be hoping to replicate the high intensity and quality they produced during their first fixture against Germany. If that is achieved they could very well cause problems for this Brazilian team. They haven’t been overly impressive but also didn’t look to be in danger of not qualifying at any point. They Brazilians are the tournaments favorites though and are yet to trail at this tournament.

Mexico have shown just how confident they could get with their display against germany and arent a team to sut in defense when they play much better opposition. Many punters have hinted that the game could be a low scoring affair and it doesnt look far fetched. Their high pressing wing play would be really sort out, as they try to link up with Chicharito upfron front.

EXPECTATION

Opportunities will fall for Mexico in this game and even with Brazil’s strong defensive record during the qualifiers. They still presented their opponents with goal bound opportunities which were not converted. It is almost certain that Mexico could help themselves to a goal here.

Brazil however have more quality. Playing a side that was opened up and conceded three goals, the brazillians should creat more chances for themselves. So far Phillipe Coutinho has been impecable at the tournament scoring twice while Neymar has also been in good form. Brazil does look a threat to any team and thus an over 2.5 goals bad market wouldnt be a bad selection when considering value.

Recently mexico have existed tournaments at the knockout stages of the copa america and the confederations cup with scorelines if 7-0 and 4-1 respectively. Clearly they seem to find it difficult getting past this stage and with Brazil being their opponents, its even likely to get worse. Both teams could at least find the back of the net.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two sides have met 40 times in total, and 5 times in the last 7 years. With Brazil winning 3 of the last five played with the two sides having a draw at the 2014 world cup.

PREDICTED LINEUP

BRAZIL

Allisson, Fagner, Silva, Miranda, Luis, Casemiro, Paulinho, Coutinho, Willian, Neymar, Jesus

MEXICO

Ochoa, Alvarez, Salcedo, Ayala, Gallardo, Guardado, Herrera, Lozano, Vela, Layun, Hernandez

PICK

Anybody to win and over 1.5 goals 1.60