PREVIEW: Brazil vs Mexico

Coming off a gritty victory over Cameroon, Mexico will enter the next match with hopes of making it to the round of 16 for the sixth World Cup in a row. The outstanding performances by Giovani Dos Santos and Oribe Peralta gave Mexico plenty of offensive punch and threaten the Cameroonian defense, but will that be enough to break past Brazil?

A Selecao won their opening match against Croatia in a controversial manner, scoring the second goal off a poorly-called penalty and the third off a weak shot by Oscar that was bizarrely misplay by the keeper. Although Neymar proved more than capable of being the star of this tournament, the team as a whole looked rusty throughout the match.

Jun 13, 2014; Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, BRAZIL; Mexican fans cheer during the second half of Mexico

Although Mexico looks like a more cohesive unit than Brazil, it’s important to note that Mexico played the weakest team in the group while Brazil was tested against an organized Croatian side. Mexico will look to carry their momentum into the next match while Brazil will assert themselves against Mexico to not only win the match but convince the world that they are still favorites to win the entire tournament.

Jun 12, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Brazil forward Neymar (10) celebrates with teammate Hulk after scoring a goal against Croatia in the first half of the opening game of the 2014 World Cup at Arena Corinthians. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately for the Brazilian side, Hulk has been nursing a lingering hamstring injury and remains questionable to start in Tuesday’s match. If Hulk doesn’t play, the injury may be a blessing in disguise for Brazil since they will have the opportunity to start Bernard at the right wing. Either way, Mexico should not get carried away over news in the Brazil camp and prepare themselves defensively for the onslaught their opponents will bring into the second match. Here is the preview for the match

"Projected Starting XIBrazil: Cesar, Marcelo, Luiz, Thiago, Alves, Paulinho, Fernandinho, Oscar, Neymar, Bernard, FredMexico: Ochoa, Layun, Marquez, Rodriguez, Moreno, Aguilar, Vazquez, Herrera, Fabian, Dos Santos, Peralta"

Keys for Mexico

– DISCIPLINE, DISCIPLINE, DISCIPLINE!!! With the 5-3-2 formation, Mexico looks lined up to defend against the Brazilians well, but regardless of the solidarity of their backline and rotations, they will pay dearly if they make one mistake. The fullbacks especially will be counted on in shutting down Neymar and Bernard, which is no easy task. They have to be very discerning as to when they should help the attack and when to stay back on defense.

– Expose the flanks. Brazil’s fullbacks tend to get out of position quite often. Again it is up to Mexico’s fullbacks and Hector Herrera to read those miscues and expose the open flanks. Any open to attack Brazil is a gift from the heavens.

– Off-ball movements are key to opening up the box. Brazil’s fullbacks and defender David Luiz tend to play very reactionary. If Peralta is smart with his off-ball movements and Dos Santos can keep composure with the ball, the two can link up for a couple creative chances.

Keys for Brazil

– Off-ball movements by Neymar, Fred, and Bernard have to be executed properly in order to give Oscar options on the attack. If either of them finds open space, there is no doubt that Oscar will find them.

– Likewise for Mexico, discipline is key for the wingbacks. Any miscue and Mexico will make them pay.

– Start Bernard, not Hulk. Brazil will see drastic improvements in the final third if Bernard starts.

Key Battles

Aguilar + Layun vs Alves + Marcelo – Who will expose who? The fullback pairing that makes more crucial errors will cost the game.

Dos Santos vs Luiz – Given Luiz’s nature of aggressively putting pressure outside the box, it’s likely that the first player he’ll meet will be Gio dos Santos. If Dos Santos expose Luiz off position, there will be trouble in Brazil’s backline.

Oscar vs Vazquez – Vazquez can’t do much for the team except for provide a steel fence for Mexico’s backline, and he is a solid steel fence. His job will be to shutdown Oscar. If Mexico can shut down Oscar, Brazil’s offense will stagnate so Vazquez cannot afford to screw this up.

"Staff Predictions"

Young Kim: Si se puede. Perhaps I’m a believer of miracles and think Mexico is capable of upsetting Brazil at home, avenging their loss to A Selecao back in 1986 when El Tri was host. Mexico will take it 2-1 and hand Brazil a humbling lesson going forward into the cup.

Drew Thompson: It will be 3-1 Brazil. Mexico won’t be able to handle the counter attack. They can exploit Brazil at the back but their inconsistent finishing means they’ll only get one goal. I don’t see them being able to nail Neymar and Oscar down all match long.

Charles Kim: 3-1. Neymar, Oscar, Fred, and Hulk will be too much for Mexico. Their attacks will wear out Mexican defense. But Peralta or Chicharito from the bench will score one because Marcelo is prone to do really dumb defensive moves