The 2018 FIFA World Cup has provided us with some memorable moments thus far in the group stages, from last minute winners to shocking upsets. Now, however, things are about to step up a notch – as we prepare for the knockout stages of the greatest show on earth. One of the first Round of 16 games that we’ll be treated to is Brazil vs Mexico, as the team who set Germany on their path towards elimination will try and accomplish the goal that they’ve had their eyes on for years: reaching the quarter-finals.

Alas, they’ll come up against the definition of a tricky adversary in the form of the Brazilians. While they may have stumbled at times during the tournament they still came away as Group E winners, scoring five goals and conceding just one in the process. The high-tempo beautiful football that so many generations of football fans have been used to isn’t really their style anymore, and instead, they seem to pop up with moments of brilliance coupled together with gritty performances.

With that being said, their 1-1 draw against Switzerland proved that they can stumble when threatened. Their consecutive 2-0 wins over Costa Rica & Serbia calmed some of the nerves, but the Costa Rica game, in particular, was much less comfortable than the scoreline suggests. On the other hand, Mexico kicked off the WC with enthralling 1-0 and 2-1 triumphs over Germany and South Korea respectively – before having the wind completely knocked out of them in a 3-0 loss against Sweden.

Brazil vs Mexico Betting Prediction

Some would argue that Mexico will provide Brazil with a pretty big test, and we agree with that – but your heart and determination will only take you so far. The Brazilians don’t have the pressure of this being a home WC this time around, they’ve already got two victories under their belt, and they seem incredibly relaxed. Mexico’s best way forward will be to try and frustrate them early on before hitting them on the counter, but they seem too interested in risking it all in the hope of Lozano & Hernandez coming up with a moment of magic.

We feel like they’re going to come unstuck in a big way, and if Sweden were able to put three past them, then god only knows what Brazil are capable of. It’s going to be tense, as any game at this level is, but it just doesn’t feel like Mexico have what it takes to make it to that illustrious ‘game five’ that they speak about so often. Their individual stars are great and can certainly win them games, but this is one step too far against a well-oiled unit like Brazil.

They’ve got so much quality all across the pitch, and while we aren’t saying it’s impossible for the Mexicans to come away with the win here, they’d need the stars to align perfectly – and after defeating the world champions in their opening game, it already feels like they’ve had their big moment in the sunshine.

It’ll be exciting to see the dynamic between these two teams, but Brazil should have this one in the bag.

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