Both teams got their World Cup campaigns to winning starts with Brazil’s controversial 3-1 victory over Croatia on opening day and Mexico’s narrow 1-0 win against African side Cameroon. The Selecao went behind in the opening match of the tournament through a Marcelo own-goal which sent shock waves around the nation. A Neymar brace, however, and a brilliant late goal from Oscar ensured all three points in a victory that was not as emphatic as the score line suggests. Neymar escaped a first half red card when he thrust his elbow into the face of Luka Modric but the referee showed only a yellow. Just as well, though, as a red card just then would have totally destroyed the game and there wasn’t quite the malice for a red. Just after that incident, Neymar showed why he is the poster boy of Brazilian football. The Barcelona forward, playing in a No 10 role, set off on a jinking run from midfield before lashing a low shot into the corner of the net. Repeating this feat against Mexico will all but confirm the qualification of the host nation for the Round of 16.
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Mexico, meanwhile, had to defeat both Cameroon and the referee in their opening match. The match officials denied Giovanni dos Santos a brace with two incorrect offside decisions. Dominant from start to finish, the 1-0 score line was a gross understatement of El Tri’s win against their African opponents. Mexico not only had the best chances but also defended well before Oribe Peralta finally put them ahead in the second half.
TEAM NEWS
Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari shuffled the positions of his attacking trio against Croatia. Neymar, expected to start on the left was moved to the hole and excelled in the role. Oscar was shunted out right and put in a solid shift while Hulk was switched to the left wing. Of the three, only Hulk did not impress and Scolari is expected to persist with this line up. Mexico have no fresh injury concerns ahead of this clash against the Brazilians and goalscorer Oribe Peralta is expected to lead the attack once again.
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Possible Line ups
Brazil (4-2-3-1) : Julio Cesar; D. Alves, T. Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Oscar,
Neymar, Hulk; Fred
Mexico (3-5-2) : Ochoa; Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno; Aguilar, Herrera, Vazquez, Guardado,
Layun; Dos Santos, Peralta
KEY BATTLE
Chelsea’s attacking midfielder Oscar shined brightly against Croatia despite being played in an unfamiliar right wing position. The youngster was a constant menace and I think the Rafael Marquez-led defense of Mexico will struggle to contain him.
PREDICTION
Mexico will give Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil another stern test. Both teams know that the winner in this clash will most likely be in the Round of 16 and will strive to win all three points. Neymar-inspired Brazil will probably win this by a narrow score line but I wouldn’t bet against a hard fought draw either.
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