Mexico and Brazil meet on Wednesday for their
second matches of the 2013 Confederations Cup. It should be an
interesting match for two sides who could decide their fate in the
tournament.
The second matches of most group stages are the most
entertaining because they're the most important. Nobody has secured a
bid to the next round, so everybody is looking to pick up three points.
The first-match jitters are also out of the way.Brazil vs. Mexico: Live Stream, TV Online Watch Online HQ HD soccer
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All in all, this could be a very entertaining game should both teams deliver.
Here's a quick preview for this Confederations Cup match.
When: Wednesday, June 19, at 3 p.m. ET
Where: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza, Brazil
This is a pivotal match for both sides.
Brazil can qualify for the knockout stage with a win. They've already picked up three points, so another three would ensure that Brazil will finish at least second in Group A. The Selecao looked great against Japan, and Luiz Felipe Scolari will want to continue that run against Mexico.
This is the best Brazil has looked under Scolari, and this tournament could go a long way to getting the team ready for the 2014 World Cup.
Mexico just needs to win, period. They've won only once in six World Cup qualifying matches. El Tri looked very pedestrian in their 2-1 loss to Italy in their first match of the tournament.
A loss wouldn't condemn Mexico to elimination, but they would need a lot of things to go right in order to make it to the knockout stage.
Mexico have enough talent to have success at the World Cup. Right now, though, their players look unsure of themselves and disorganized on the pitch.
The 21-year-old striker has a lot to prove as he moves to Barcelona. He's got plenty of critics who think he's nothing more than a flashy Brazilian who will struggle to cope with more physically demanding European leagues.
Only time will tell if Neymar can fulfill his massive potential. For the time being, he looks pretty good. Few could have been disappointed with his performance against Japan.
Brazil don't have a world-class striker. Fred is good, but he's not a top-level forward. With Neymar's talent, he needs to be the engine for the attack.
Javier Hernandez is the star for El Tri, but it's been Jose de Jesus Corona who's been the most consistent player.
On one hand, it's always good when you can count on your goalkeeper. On the other, it's never a good sign when your goalkeeper is consistently having the best performances on the team. It means you're having defensive breakdowns, an underwhelming attack or a combination of the two.
Unfortunately for Mexico, it's the third option.
Were it not for Corona's timely saves, El Tri probably would have conceded four or five goals against Italy. He kept Mexico in the game, and he'll likely have to do the same against Brazil.
Given El Tri's recent troubles, it's unlikely they'll score more than a goal. They'll need to keep the score low and hope to counter Brazil. If Corona continues his great run of form, Mexico have a chance.
Brazil will be the aggressors. They controlled the match against Japan, and they'll do the same against Mexico.
What's the result of this match?
Neymar and Hulk up top will be more than enough to see off Mexico with a goal or two early.
The biggest thing will be finishing. Brazil will probably have ample opportunity to get on the board. Italy had a lot of blown chances and nearly only walked away with a point despite dominating the match.
The longer Brazil go without scoring, the more confident Mexico will become, and a confident Mexico is a dangerous thing for the Selecao.
Expect a match similar to El Tri's first against Italy. Brazil will be on the front foot for the majority but never pull away
