Brazil vs Mexico FIFA World Cup 2018 – Lineups, Predictions & Stats Preview 2 July 2018
Brazil needed to play against Serbia to know their fate but eventually won and qualified for the Round of 16. Mexico, on the other hand, blew away the chance to top their group with a 0-3 loss against Sweden. That means they play Brazil in the Round of 16.
Brazil Probable Lineups and Stats
Alison Becker has conceded only one goal in the tournament and is expected to be in goal for Brazil. Marcelo limped out with an injury scare and will be replaced by Felipe Luis on left back while Fagner will retain his right back position. Miranda and Thiago Silva have been superb in central defence and will be on the line up against Mexico. Paulinho and Casemiro will be in the defensive midfield in their 4-2-3-1 formation. The three attacking midfielders will be Willian, Neymar, and Coutinho who has come to his country’s rescue several times in the recent matches. Gabriel Jesus will be the central striker to lead Brazil who have been impressive so far.
Brazil had a ball possession of 56% in their last game but had the lion’s share of the shots on goal (6). They will be looking to score early goals and avoid struggling towards the end of the game. This game should serve as Brazil’s biggest challenge so far in the tournament.
Mexico Probable Lineups and Stats
Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa had a rough game against Sweden but is expected to be ready for the next challenge. Jesus Gallardo will start on the left back while Edson Alvarez will start on the right back. Carlos Salcedo and Hector Moreno will start in central defence. The defensive midfield will be guarded by Andres Guardado and Hector Herera who has been a regular starter for Mexico. Miguel Layun will be on the right wing while the left side will be taken care of by Hirving Lozano who has been impressive in the World cup. Carlos Vela will retain his creative role in the middle, and Javier Hernandez will be the main striker.
Mexico lost their final match despite having a 65% possession against Sweden. This made them end up as number two in their group giving them a tight game in the round of 16. They will be looking to improve on their defence due to the apparent threat of Brazil’s Neymar and Coutinho.
Brazil v Mexico – Head to Head
Mexico and Brazil have met each other 23 times in the past meaning the two teams know each other very well. Brazil has won twelve of these games while Mexico has won seven times. Brazil has not lost a single match in their last ten games while Mexico has lost only three times. This means the two teams are in a run of excellent form and this should be an entertaining game.
Expert Tip
This game is expected to be one of the most entertaining games in the round of 16. Considering Mexico’s recent 3-0 loss and Brazil’s attacking prowess, this game will not lack goals. Probably more than 2.5 goals will be scored. Mexico will try to exploit the left wing considering Marcelo will be absent and that means they will get a lot of corners from that side. Considering that this will be a highly contested match, we can expect yellow cards to be shown. Brazil will have a comfortable win, but Mexico will find the net at least once. A 3-1 Brazil win is a fair prediction here.
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