Confederations Cup
2013-06-19 - Brazil vs Mexico
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: FIFA Confederations Cup
Wednesday 19 June 2013 - Kick Off 8pm
This game is live on TV
Preview
The Confederations Cup started off with a bang thanks to a special goal from Neymar and it is that goal that will have given the Brazilian fans a lot of confidence in their side. Brazil dominated the opening game of the Group against Japan and also put aside all of the doubts that had been following the squad after some underachieving performances in friendlies that has seen the team drop to 22 in the World Rankings.
Now Brazil have the chance to essentially book their place in the Semi Finals if they can see off a Mexico team that has troubled them in the past. Mexico were beaten by a late Mario Balotelli goal in their opening game against Italy and a defeat will all but see them knocked out of the competition unless Japan can surprise Italy in the game later in the evening.
There is no doubt that Brazil are very focused on this game having lost 6 of their last 11 games against Mexico, but home comforts should certainly make life a little easier. Brazil have not hosted Mexico since a 1-1 draw back in August 1993, but they had won their previous two home games against them down the years.
And despite the protests that have rocked the nation surrounding the amount of money spent to improve the stadiums in the country for the World Cup next year, Brazil are aware of the joy they can bring with a feast of football on the pitch.
Mexico will point to the fact that they beat Brazil to win the Gold Medal at the Olympic Games last summer, but the team haven't been in the best of form. They would have seen the United States and Costa Rica improve their standing in the CONCACAF qualifying section for the World Cup and have also failed to score in 4 of their last 6 competitive games.
The side didn't play their best football against Italy and would have been fortunate to have come away with a draw. They will look to play another counter-attack style of football, but confidence in front of goal can't be at it's highest for the Mexicans and they will also be well aware of what Brazil are capable of.
Prediction
Mexico do seem to hold the Indian sign over Brazil's head, but playing the latter in front of their own fans is a different prospect than any of those 6 wins from 11 games for Mexico have previously provided.
The lack of goals in the CONCACAF nation is a real concern and Brazil could certainly win this one without conceding as they did against Japan. The 2.30 is just attractive enough for me to back that happening here.
The Pick :
Brazil 2-0 Mexico
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Brazil Win to Nil @ 2.30 (Ladbrokes)
