BRAZIL vs. MEXICO
Date: June 17, 2014
Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): 22-10-6 Brazil
Last Match: 2013 Confederations Cup (Group Stage). Brazil def. Mexico 2-0.
Line: Brazil -320
Group A Preview here.
Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.
Team Profiles
World Ranking: Brazil (3rd), Mexico (13th)
Managers: Luiz Felipe Scolari (BRA), Miguel Herrera (MEX)
Captains: Thiago Silva (BRA), Rafael Marquez (MEX)
World Cup Appearances: 20 (BRA), 15 (MEX)
Best Finish: Brazil (5x Champions, Last in 2002), Mexico (Quarterfinals, 1986)
Qualifying Records: Brazil (N/A), Mexico (10-3-5, GF: 31, GA: 14)
Previous Game Results
Brazil
Mexico
Rosters
Injuries/Discipline
For those not aware, yellow cards are not wiped out until after the quarterfinals. If a player accumulates two yellow cards in any of their first 5 games, they will face a 1-game suspension.
For those not aware, yellow cards are not wiped out until after the quarterfinals. If a player accumulates two yellow cards in any of their first 5 games, they will face a 1-game suspension.
Brazil: Neymar (Yellow Card), Luiz Gustavo (Yellow Card), Hulk (Questionable - Thigh)
Mexico: Hector Moreno (Yellow Card)
Overview
Should be one of the more entertaining matches of the group stage as Brazil and Mexico square off. Both on 3 points in Group A, these teams are meeting almost one year to the day of their last match which occurred in the exact same stadium in Fortaleza.
That match was in the Confederations Cup and saw Brazil win 2-0 on the strength of an early Neymar goal and a Jo tally right at the finish. It will be a different Mexico squad today though. While the exact same 11 for Brazil could start this match, 5 of that Mexican 11 aren't even in Brazil.
Mexico is about to find out if their switch to a 2-3-5 formation that has proved so successful for teams so far in this tournament will pay off or not. It was a switch made largely to counter the threat Brazil provided and it's time to see if it was worth it. Mexico looked strong against Cameroon, using Miguel Layun in particular to race up the flank and create width in the Mexican attack while still being defensively sound. They'll need a repeat of that performance today and will like their counter-attacking potential with the Brazilian full backs pressed up so high.
Brazil fought off a poor start in their opener against Croatia to pick up a solid 3-1 victory. Mexico should provide their toughest test of the group though and they may need to do it without starting winger Hulk who picked up a thigh injury in training. Brazil will also have a Mexican squad that is faster in the midfield and on the wings to contend with than the one they faced a year ago.
A victory for either team would all but assure them of advancing to the knockout round and both teams should be pressing for the full 3 points in this contest.
Personnel
In the Brazilian Third: Mexico's first game should have been 3-0 instead of 1-0 and Cameroon did not have an answer for Giovani dos Santos. Mexico needs Oribe Peralta to step up but between those two and Layun/Aguilar pushing up the flanks, Mexico will fancy its opportunities going forward. Advantage: Mexico
In the Midfield: An intriguing battle in the middle of the field particularly between Jose Juan Vazquez and Paulinho/Luiz Gustavo. Both sets of midfielders stood out in their opening matches and both used their wing backs to full advantage playing the ball through the midfield. Mexico figure to be more tentative but would love to clog up the midfield and keep the ball away from the likes of Neymar and Oscar if possible. Advantage: Brazil by a hair.
In the Mexican Third: Neymar had his way with Mexico in last year's meeting. Mexico's defence has been bolstered since then but they don't have a lot of pace in the middle of the pitch where Neymar spent most of his time against Croatia. Even if Hulk can't play, Mexico have plenty to worry about in this end of the field. Advantage: Brazil
Goalkeeping: Still plenty of questions around Julio Cesar and what form he is in after seeing little action against Croatia. Corona played in pre-tournament for Mexico, Ochoa played the opener and both looked very good. Advantage: Mexico by a hair.
Brazil will win if:
They can protect their flanks from the Mexican wing backs getting forward. Use of the wide backs is a staple in Brazilian soccer and they won't want to abandon it. But the further Dani Alves and Marcelo get up the field, the more susceptible Brazil is going to be on the back end. That's always the case but especially true against Mexico. "Left back" Miguel Layun was often the furthest player up the field for Mexico and time and again they were able to find in in wide open spaces upfield. Brazil is often willing to expose their flanks and protect the centre but that could haunt them if they don't be wary.
Mexico will win if:
STOP NEYMAR. There's so many players in this Brazilian side that can beat you but no one is more dangerous than Neymar. Mexico know that better then anyone, Neymar burned them for a goal and one of the best assists you'll see last year. Mexico will have 3 central defenders to protect the front of goal, but they have to close down Neymar every time he is on the ball or this will turn in to a Confederations Cup replay.
Prediction
It's a much better Mexican team then we saw last year, but I don't think they're on the level with Brazil. Will have success on counter-attacks and should find a goal with all of their talent up front but don't believe it will be enough.
Brazil 2-1 Mexico.
It's a much better Mexican team then we saw last year, but I don't think they're on the level with Brazil. Will have success on counter-attacks and should find a goal with all of their talent up front but don't believe it will be enough.
Brazil 2-1 Mexico.
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