The second round arrives with a bang, as hosts Brazil take on powerful Mexico. Both these teams won their first games; Brazil beat Croatia 3-1, and Mexico beat Cameroon 1-0. Since each side has three points, a win today for either would all but guarantee their place in the second round.
What’s At Stake
What’s at stake? A berth in the second round. It’s mathematically possible for one team to win this match and still fail to qualify: if, for example, Mexico win today and Croatia crush Cameroon, a Croatian victory over Mexico and a big Brazil win over Cameroon next week will put Croatia through alongside Brazil. But that’s unlikely. Six points is almost always enough in World Cup group stages. Today’s prize is the second round.
As for potential second-round opponents, there’s little to choose between Spain and Holland, despite Friday’s shock 5-1 Dutch romp. Both are dangerous, and whoever qualifies from this Group A will have a difficult first match of the knockout stage.
While Brazil scored three last week against a strong Croatia side and Mexico only beat Cameroon by a single goal, Brazil’s win was far less convincing. The hosts required plenty of help from the referees; Mexico were on top throughout and had two clear goals denied by wrong offside calls. Brazil will shake things up for today’s match by bringing in Chelsea’s Ramires for the ineffective forward Hulk. Ramires likes to play deeper than Hulk, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Brazil play something like the USA’a 4-4-2 diamond, with Neymar supporting Fred up top, Oscar at the point of the diamond, Luis Gustavo at the base, and Paulinho and Ramires on the sides. Ramires is a good, energetic player, and Brazil should be able to keep possession better today than against Croatia.
Mexico will keep their 3-5-2 shape from the first game and expect more good wide play from the wingbacks Aguilar and Layún. The two forwards, Gio dos Santos and Oribe Peralta, have a great mutual understanding.
As on the field, it’s an all-Latin affair in the booth today. El Salvador’s Fernando Palomo and Venezuelan ex-player Alejandro Moreno bring experience and knowledge to this match. Their English is better than some of the British commentators’, so they should be easy to understand. I’m looking forward to this one.
Match-specific Drinking Games
Megs!: Take a shot whenever any player on these two technically skilled teams nutmegs (dribbles through the legs of) an opponent. How drunk? Steady buzz.
Adventurous: Take a shot whenever Brazilian fullback Dani Alves is the most advanced Brazilian player on the pitch. How drunk? Blackout.
Sideshow: Drink when Brazilian centerback David Luiz has a long shot, or commits a game-changing error. How drunk? He’s been more responsible recently, but at least tipsy.
Brazil: Cachaça. If you missed the chance to have a caipirinha in the excitement of the first match last week, have one today! Careful, though: they’re sugary.
Mexico: Tequila. Today is beginning to look like a good day to get muy, muy borracho.
For more:
– Read my general World Cup watching guide.
– Check out Zonal Marking, my favorite tactics website.
– See a commentary schedule or a review of each commentator.
– See where I’m getting my national drink recommendations.
– Check out other match previews from this group: Brazil vs. Croatia, Mexico vs. Cameroon
Picture credit: thecitizenng.com
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