World Cup U20
2013-06-25 - Mexico U20 vs Paraguay U20
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : FIFA Under 20 World Cup
Tuesday 25 June 2013 - Kick Off 4pm
This game is live on TV
Preview
One of the biggest surprises in the Under 20 World Cup so far is when Mexico Under 20, one of the leading contenders for the title, were beaten by the Greece Under 20 side in their first game. With the other game in the Group drawn by Paraguay Under 20 and Mali Under 20, Mexico are in a tough spot if they are to get out of the Group and anything less than a win could be curtains for the side.
It was not just a surprise that Mexico lost their opening game, but the manner in which they were beaten. Much of the game against Greece was dominated by the Mexicans and they were only undone by a sucker punch in the closing minutes of that game.
Confidence shouldn't have been shattered to the point that they won't be able to perform in this one, although the tension of needing the points could make life a little more difficult. Mexico played well at the Toulon Tournament ahead of the World Cup and will feel that a little more composure in front of goal will help them pick up the three points in this one.
Antonio Briseno, the Mexican captain, admitted that there were no regrets in the squad with the way they approached the game against Greece which highlights that the confidence remains stable.
They will next meet Paraguay who finished as runners up in the South American Youth Championships, a result that had a few people tipping them to make a big impact in Turkey. However, they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Mali in their first game and that leaves them in an awkward spot with this likely the toughest game they will face in the Group.
Paraguay will have been concerned with the amount of chances they allowed Mali to create in the first game, but they also know they have the attacking talent to cause Mexico some problems too. With both sides needing the three points to give them the best chance to qualify for the Second Round, this has all the makings of an entertaining game.
Prediction
Both teams were tipped to be dark horses at this World Cup, but both are in a position where they need the three points desperately to keep their hopes alive of moving out of the Group.
It is definitely a little more important for Mexico as they lost their first game, while Paraguay could win one of their last two games to move through. Mexico were unfortunate in their first game and could have won that one with a little more composure in front of goal and I believe they make up for that here.
The Pick :
Mexico U20 2-1 Paraguay U20
