Copa America 2011
2011-07-12 - Uruguay vs Mexico
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : Copa America 2011
Tuesday 12 July 2011 - Kickoff 9:45pm (Local Time)
This game is live on TV
Preview
We have reached the last chance saloon for the World Cup Semi Finalists of last Summer as Uruguay look to secure themselves a place in the Quarter Finals of the competition. They face possibly the weakest team in the competition as a youthful Mexico side take part in the competition with a scandal meaning they are without at least 8 of the players that were due to travel.
Mexico won the Gold Cup, their own version of the Copa America, before this tournament started and the likes of Javier Hernandez were not requested to take part in this tournament. Unsurprisingly, Mexico have already lost both their opening games of the competition and will need to win this game by at least 2 goals if they are to progress as one of the best third placed teams.
Uruguay, on the other hand, are in a position where a draw will be enough to take them through thanks to their 2 points gained against Peru and Chile, and Costa Rica losing 3-0 to Argentina last night. The team have not been at their best in the tournament so far, but they could be a dangerous proposition if they get through.
You have to remember that there is plenty of talent in the forward positions of the Uruguay team with the likes of Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, but they have failed to truly fire so far. There is a suggestion that Oscar Tabarez is going to go back to a 2 man forward line, a system that has worked well in the past.
It is difficult to imagine how Mexico will approach this game as they do need a win by a couple of goals to leapfrog Costa Rica (who finished third in Group A), but they have struggled after their exertions in the Gold Cup and the youthful team also lacks in experience.
It was always clear that this competition was a secondary one for the Mexican FA, although they have tried to remain competitive in matches.
Head to Head
These two nations met in the group stages of the World Cup last Summer in a match Uruguay came out on top 1-0.
However, Mexico did beat Uruguay 3-1 the last time they played each other in the Copa America in 2007.
Over the last 10 years, the nations have met 6 times- Mexico have won 3 and Uruguay have won 2 of those matches.
Prediction
Much like Argentina before last night, Uruguay have been a little disappointing in the tournament so far, but I also feel they nature of the only 4 teams being eliminated at this stage has played a part.
Again, like Argentina, Uruguay will be restoring a more familiar formation for this match and I feel that will give them the edge.
I would add that Uruguay can go through with a draw, although that would leave them facing a much tougher Quarter Final, whereas a win by 2 or more goals could see them top the group.
With Mexico also needing to attack, we could see an entertaining game tonight and it could be the chance for Uruguay to pick off their opponents and get the victory by the margin that should secure a top 2 finish in the group.
The Pick :
Uruguay 3-1 Mexico
