World Cup 2014 Predictions, Analysis -- Brazil vs. Mexico: How Each Team Can Win Tactical Battle
Group H makes its debut on Tuesday, but the biggest game of the day actually is part of Group A as Brazil takes on Mexico.
This game has a tremendous amount of implications for both sides. Brazil won its opener against Croatia, but was far from convincing. Meanwhile, Mexico took three points from its encounter with Cameroon, but could have scored more than the lone goal that gave it victory. Both teams will be out to prove themselves more than capable of winning Group A. Here is how each team can defeat its rival:
How Brazil can beat Mexico
1. Possession
Mexico is no longer the pushover it was in the World Cup qualifiers. The team has more a structured flow and a solid attacking mentality that yielded a number of opportunities against Cameroon. However, Mexico's backline teeters a bit when it is pressured by a strong attacking presence and the team has relied heavily on the heroics of its keepers to keep it alive. Guillermo Ochoa made a huge save late in the Cameroon game to preserve the 1-0 advantage. If Brazil retains the ball, then Mexico will be forced to do what it does worst: defend.
2. Swarm around Giovanni Dos Santos
Giovanni Dos Santos was arguably the best player in a Team Mexico uniform against Cameroon, and he was unlucky not to walk away with the two goals he scored on Friday that were wrongfully called offside. He was a major part of the eventual game-winner by Oribe Peralta and proved that his creative play and nose for the goal makes him Mexico's biggest threat. Brazil is not a terrific defensive side, but putting multiple bodies on him should help minimize Mexico's attack significantly.
3. Funnel the ball through Oscar
Oscar was the best player on the pitch for Brazil in the opening game and his creativity and vision will undoubtedly be the engine for this team's offense. As noted earlier, Mexico does not have a faultless defense and this is where someone like Oscar can shine. Brazil must get him the ball and let him work his magic. Mexico's defense will likely be preoccupied with Neymar, so letting Oscar dominate is likely the best way to unsettle Mexico's defense and find the breakthrough.
How Mexico Can Beat Brazil
1. Attack down the flanks
If there was anything that the Croatian team taught the world, it was that Brazil's defense is really not that great. Wingbacks Marcelo and Dani Alves are known more for their attacking prowess than their defensive qualities and the two players were repeatedly burned by the European side's attacks down the wings. Both players were often caught far up the pitch, leaving Croatia with a lot of space up the wings; the result was that center backs Thiago Silva and David Luiz were often forced to stretch themselves out of position, thus leaving Brazil vulnerable in the middle. That Croatia did not score more goals in the opener can be attributed to goalie Julio Cesar. However, one wonders if relying on the goaltender is truly the most sound of strategies.
2. Put pressure on Neymar and Oscar
Fred was virtually invisible in the opening game. It was not so much that Croatia was smothering him, but that he was stationary and rarely involved in the play. That should make Mexico more comfortable heading into Tuesday's match. Hulk's injury is also a huge boon as the team knows that the winger will likely be less than 100 percent if he plays or completely absent altogether. This puts the onus on Neymar and Oscar to create the offensive chances. If Mexico hones in on those two players, then Brazil's offense will likely be minimized and ineffective.
3. Test Julio Cesar as much as possible
The Brazilian keeper acquitted himself quite well in the opener, but he remains a question mark. His form was not particularly remarkable during the season and it is hard to believe that he has simply turned on a switch and found his rhythm. He was playing on adrenaline in the opener, but is still a liability for Brazil. If Mexico fires away at him, Cesar is likely to crack at some point.
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