Brazil v Mexico Betting Preview – World Cup 2018 2nd July – 3.00 p.m
After looking so much like it was going to be a thrilling Brazil v Germany showdown in the round of sixteen, instead, the Selecao, who are the outright favourites to win the tournament will be taking on Mexico. Mexico have already caused a huge upset at this tournament in having beaten Germany so well in their opening game. They have nothing to lose really in this game as big underdogs, but can El Tri produce another special performance? Read our Mexico v Mexico prediction for more.
Table of Contents
Brazil News and Form
Brazil are still the outright favourites to win the 2018 World Cup and they are certainly carrying the form. They are W5 D1 in their last six games and even though they haven’t been at their best yet in this summer’s tournament, they have not been threatened at the back. Brazil have conceded just two goals in their last eleven games and Brazil to win to nil at bet365 is at 5/4 odds* (Betting Odds were taken from June 29th, 2018 at 9:43 p.m.) and that defensive organisation has been so good under head coach Tite. Now they just need to get forward momentum going too. Because a Brazil clean sheet is a reasonable thing to expect here, over in the correct score market a Brazil 2-0 option at 6/1 is a top prediction for Brazil v Mexico* (Betting Odds were taken from June 29th, 2018 at 9:43 p.m.). Although Mexico will be bold against Brazil, the Samba Boys should be able to hold their ground.
Brazil have not produced a top-shelf performance so far at Russia 2018 but he potential, of course, is there. They opened with a 1-1 draw with Switzerland and then needed stoppage-time goals to beat a resilient Costa Rica. But they looked much better in beating Serbia 2-0 in their final match. Neymar hasn’t been at his best, still somewhat in recovery mode after his long-term injury, and surprisingly Gabriel Jesus hasn’t been among the goals either. Neymar is at 20/21 in the bet365 anytime goalscorer market* (Betting Odds were taken from June 29th, 2018 at 9:43 p.m.) so he is the favourite. This is where the serious business starts now and Brazil knows how to handle themselves. They can build successfully off their defence.
Visit Bet365Mexico News and Form
Mexico caused some waves when they beat Germany one-nil their first group stage match at Russia 2018. It was a result that they deserved on merit as well. They went out in their next game and collected a composed win over South Korea but then in their final group stage match things fell apart for them as they lost three-nil against a physical Sweden side. That highlighted some issues across the Mexico which had been so good against Germany. Mexico have won three of their last five games (L2) and they have made it past the group stage again at the World Cup, however they have not been further than the round of sixteen since 1986. Having landed Brazil, the chances of El Tri getting beyond the round of 16 this time around isn’t all that good. They may even struggle to break down a very strong Brazilian defence in this game, but that won’t stop them having a go.
One of the good things about Mexico to enjoy is that they do just turn up play their own way and it is usually energetic and fearless. They will not be overawed by Brazil and of course, will have no pressure on them being underdogs. One of Mexico’s strength is playing quickly on the break and that is going to be the best way to open up the Brazil defence in this round of 16 tie. At the end of the day though they don’t look as powerful upfront as Brazil do and Mexico have scored just three goals in their last four games, failing to score in two of those fixtures. Both teams not to score is at 7/10 odds with bet365* (Betting Odds were taken from June 29th, 2018 at 9:43 p.m.) and that is a top Brazil v Mexico prediction. Mexico will entertain, they will give it their best, you can be assured of that but at the end of the day, the quality may not be there to stop Brazil marching ahead.
Brazil v Mexico Head to Head
The Brazilians have taken a win in four of the last six meetings (D1 L1) against Mexico. However looking back over the last fifteen contests it is Mexico who are W7 D3 L5 ahead. Maybe the Mexicans have something special saved for meetings with Brazil. Four years ago they met in the group stage and played out a 0-0 draw. Their most recent meeting was a 2015 friendly which Brazil won 1-0.
Brazil v Mexico Betting Odds*
Brazil 1/2
Draw 16/5
Mexico 7/1
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on June 29th, 2018 at 9:21 p.m.)
Brazil v Mexico Predictions
Mexico are bold enough to go and take the game to Brazil, one of the few sides in the world who would likely do so. There were worrying signs at the back for Mexico in their loss against Sweden and we expect Brazil to set up their intensity and so we are looking at a Brazil to win to nil option.
