Mexico vs Brazil A Rematch 14 Years in the Making
Mexico and Brazil are no strangers to each other and today they will face each other again in the U-17 Fifa World Cup, a rematch of the 2005 Final that gave Mexico their first championship in the category. Let’s look at some factors that may determine the outcome of today’s game.
Venue:
This game is in EL Estadio Bezerrão, in Brazil so La Verde-Amarela will have a stadium full of rowdy fans cheering them on. The stadium has a capacity of about 20,300 people and you get bet even though Mexico usually travels well, the dominant color will be yellow.
Advantage: Brazil
Mexico’s Defense vs Brazil’s Offense:
This comes down to a question of flair vs tactics. The Mexican team has developed into a stingy defense as the tournament has progressed. El Chima Ruiz has his backline and defensive midfield playing tactically sound futbol with great communication and coverages. The Brazil front line is spectacular and can’t be counted out. ( See Brazil vs France) The attacking trident of Peglow, Kaio Jorge, and Veron are dangerous and keep Brazil’s Joga Bonito alive with their dribbles and are lethal in front of goal.
France showed that Brazil’s attack can be neutralized for extended periods, but mistakes cost them in the end. Mexico has a slip against Italy early in the tournament but has been stingy since. What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
Advantage: Brazil
Brazil’s Defense vs Mexico’s Attack
On the other side of the coin, Brazil’s defense is a bit of a liability, while Matheus Donelli has been solid in goal, Brazil’s wide backs love joining the attack which makes their attack dangerous, but leaves Brazil vulnerable to quick counter-attacks. With the speed and versatility of Alvarez and El-Mesmari Mexico can take advantage of this mismatch. The numbers say Mexico has scored about 2 goals per game this tournament while Brazil has allowed .8 goals per game.
Advantage: Mexico
Midfield Play:
This game might ultimately be decided in the midfield. Mexico’s duo of Pizzuto and Huerta have been outstanding not only recovering possession but launching the attack. For Brazil Daniel Cabral has been Casemiro like covering space and recovering possession while Pedro Lucas and Diego Gabriel are explosive moving forward on the ball. The numbers game might be too much for Cabral in this instance though.
Advantage: Mexico
Writers Pick:
These two teams are very similar on paper, with goals per game scored and received are almost identical. They are both coming off absolute battles in the semis and both showed great mental strength and nerves of steel with Brazil coming from two goals down early and El Tri needing penalties to get past the Netherlands.
The pressure is all on Brazil as the host country, if they don’t get off to a quick start, the crowd pressure might be too much. El Tri has been solid in the back but a bit irregular attacking, the Mexican attack will need to be on target with their opportunities. In the end, I think the attack of Brazil will break thru, Brazil in a thriller 3-2.
