Brazil vs. Mexico Prediction
After finishing strong in group play, Brazil now sets its sights on opponent Mexico today in the round of 16. Will favored Brazil get the job done today or will Mexico secure its second major upset of the World Cup?
Game Snapshot
97857 Mexico vs. 97858 Brazil
Monday, July 2, 2018
Samara Arena at 10AM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Brazil is a -226 favorite to win on the moneyline. Mexico is a +648 underdog, while a draw bet is set at +322. The total is set at 2.5 goals.
Brazil posts back-to-back 2-0 shutouts
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Switzerland to open the World Cup, Brazil rebounded with 2-0 wins over Costa Rica and Serbia. Paulinho scpred in the 36th minute to give Brazil a 1-0 advantage, while Thiago Silva scored in the 68th minute for an insurance tally. Brazil held 56 percent of the possession, recording 13 shots including six on goal. Serbia had 10 shots with only one being on goal. The Brazilians only committed seven fouls and none were yellow cards. Additionally, Brazil manufactured a whopping nine corner kicks.
Mexico completes group play with whimper
With a 1-0 victory over Germany and a 2-1 win against South Korea, Mexico gave a quick statement to the World Cup field that it would not be an easy out. But it could not complete group play unscathed as it was shut down by a count of 3-0 versus Sweden in its third match. Mexico held 65 percent of the possession, but was unable to do anything with it. Sweden, on the other hand, found enough offense to secure the win with Ludwig Augustinsson making it a 1-0 game in the 50th minute. Andreas Granqvist added a penalty kick goal in the 62nd minute, while an own goal attributed to Edson Alvarez in the 74th minute put it away. Sweden had 19 shots, but only three on net. Sweden registered 13 shots with five on goal.
Prediction:
Brazil made a deep run when it hosted the World Cup in 2014, but was obliterated in the semifinals by a 7-1 final against Germany. Four years later, Brazil is still led by the same core and has its focus on exercising the demons from the embarrassing nature of the last exit. While Mexico has one signature win in this tourney, I can’t envision another one today. I’m putting my money on Neymar and Brazil.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: BRAZIL -226