Brazil vs Mexico Preview
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TEAM NEWS
Felipe Luis will start Brazil’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico instead of Marcelo, who was forced off against Serbia because of a back spasm.
Marcelo did train on Sunday so should be available off the bench.
Right-back Danilo has recovered from the thigh problem that ruled him out of the Serbia game, but his replacement, Fagner, may keep his starting spot.
Mexico are without key centre-back Hector Moreno, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards.
He could be replaced by Hugo Ayala, who has not featured since starting the win against Germany
OVERVIEW
There have been 11 games already at this World Cup between nations who have never played before. Brazil and Mexico, on the other hand, are the oldest of enemies. This meeting in the last 16 is the 41st time the two countries have faced off, with Brazil leading the head-to-head with 23 victories to Mexico’s 10. In four World Cup meetings, Mexico are yet to even score.
Brazil are also a side highly motivated by righting the wrongs of four years ago. Although that infamous 7-1 defeat to Germany on home turf at the 2014 World Cup occurred at the semi-final stage, it has been a driving factor since qualification for this tournament began three years ago. Neymar missed that game through injury and has yet to fire at this World Cup, with one goal from 16 attempts in Russia. The stage could be set for a new chapter to begin.
The biggest concern for Mexico is that history suggests it doesn’t really matter who they play at this stage of a World Cup. If they lose it will be the seventh successive tournament in which they have gone out in the last 16.
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