Brazil vs. Mexico
- When: Monday 2 July
- Kick-off time: 3pm
- Where: Samara Arena, Samara
- TV channel: live on ITV
Mexico skipper Andres Guardado has stoked the fires ahead of their clash against Brazil by calling on Fifa and the match officials to “keep on top” of Neymar because he likes to “exaggerate fouls”.
The Brazil No.10 had a penalty decision reversed against him in the match against Costa Rica and Guardado wants to see the video assistant referee (VAR) used to counter any antics.
Speaking ahead of the last-16 clash in Samara, Guardado said: “We all know Neymar, it’s not up to me or us to judge, but the referees and Fifa.
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“Now they have VAR they have to watch his style of play and the referee needs to be on top of it because we know he likes to exaggerate fouls, he likes to drop on the floor a lot.”
‘Perfect scenario’
Had Mexico drawn their final group game they would have played Switzerland in the last-16, but the 3-0 loss to Sweden means they face the World Cup favourites.
Real Betis star Guardado has urged his Mexican teammates to take a huge step by beating Brazil and reaching the quarter-finals.
He said: “What better motivation can there be other than the fact that we’re facing the game of our lives?
“We’re not going to have any excuses. If we’d finished first in the group - and with all respect to Switzerland, if we’d beaten Switzerland people would’ve said: ‘Oh, it’s because it’s Switzerland’.
“So we’re up against the perfect scenario against Brazil, the five-time champion. We’re all really excited about this opportunity football has given us, a situation that can’t get any better, and hopefully we’re able to finally take this step.”
Brazil vs. Mexico starting XIs
Brazil vs. Mexico predictions
Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport: “I don’t think Brazil enjoy playing against Mexico, who have a decent record against them. Brazil have won four of their past six meetings but, since 1999, Mexico have won seven and draw three of their 15 matches. So the Mexicans will not fear them the way some teams do - but they might have problems stopping them. Brazil look like they are just starting to come to the boil. Neymar has not really got going yet but, when their attack clicks, the pace with which they come forward is frightening. Prediction: Brazil 2 Mexico 0.”
The Daily Telegraph: “Mexico have been well organised, exciting and have Guillermo ‘El Muro’ [the wall] Ochoa in goal. They will be hard to break down. However, the favourites should be able to find a way through. Man for man, they are a much better team and a moment of genius is more likely to come from a man in a canary yellow shirt than a green one. Prediction: 1-0 Brazil.”
101GreatGoals.com: “Having shipped three goals against Sweden, Mexico will find it difficult to keep a shut out again Neymar and company. Prediction: Brazil 2-0 Mexico.”
Brazil vs. Mexico betting odds
Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 1 July).
- Brazil to win: 8/15
- Draw: 7/2
- Mexico to win: 15/2
First goalscorer
- Neymar (Brazil): 11/4
- Gabriel Jesus (Brazil): 4/1
- Philippe Coutinho (Brazil): 11/2
- Roberto Firmino (Brazil): 11/1
- Taison (Brazil): 15/2
- No goalscorer: 19/2
- Willian (Brazil): 10/1
- Paulinho (Brazil): 11/1
- Javier Hernández (Mexico): 13/1
