Brazil vs Mexico Preview
#MTNshortz3SixtyWorld
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.
More Stories
EX-MESSI’S TEAMMATE, MASCHERANO TO BECOME INTER MIAMI’S NEW MANAGER
Former Argentina midfielder, Javier Mascherano is set to become the manager at Inter Miami FC. This means that Mascherano will...
LEICESTER’S FATAWU TO MISS REST OF SEASON AFTER SUFFERING INJURY WHILE ON GHANA DUTY
After sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury while playing for Ghana, Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu will be sidelined for the...
SPORT NEWS: BARCELONA PUSH BACK CAMP NOU RETURN TO MID-FEBRUARY
Barcelona said on Wednesday their return to the Camp Nou would be delayed until at least mid-February as the iconic...
SPORT: NADAL LOSES IN DAVIS CUP QUARTER-FINALS SINGLES OPENER
Agency Report Retiring tennis superstar Rafael Nadal lost 6-4, 6-4 to Botic van de Zandschulp in a Davis Cup quarter-final...
BEYONCE SET TO PERFORM AT NFL CHRISTMAS DAY GAME
Beyonce, a well-known American singer, will be the main attraction at the 2024 National Football League's Christmas show. The singer...
(BREAKING) AFCON 2025: BONIFACE LEADS S’EAGLES AS NWABALI, LOOKMAN MISS RWANDA CLASH
For their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda on Monday, the Super Eagles have revealed their starting lineup,...