According to all relevant sportsbooks, Brazil is the strongest candidate to beat the 2018 World Cup with the odds at +350, but Selecao could have a tricky job against Mexico in the Round of 16 as the clash is set for this Monday, July 2nd, 2018, at Samara Arena in Samara. The Mexicans have already beaten the defending champions Germany in the group stage, so they are keen to make another upset here.
Brazil vs. Mexico
3-Way: 1: Brazil -200; X: +320 Draw; 2: Mexico +700 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread -1: Brazil -112; Mexico +104
Total +2.5: Over +100; Under -125
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: +104/-143
BRAZIL
Brazil had a poor start of the 2018 World Cup plating a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, while Selecao barely overcomes Costa Rica 2-0 in the second match with a couple of goals in the stoppage time of the second half. The performance in a 2-0 victory over Serbia that clinched the top of the Group E was much better, but still far away from the top form, as Brazil struggled to create dangerous attacks in sequences.
The playmaker Philippe Coutinho is leading this Brazil team with two goals and one assist so far, but he needs more help from the forward duo Neymar and Gabriel Jesus. Neymar netted just once in three appearances, while Gabriel Jesus is still goalless which is a huge surprise for both Brazil’s fans and the bettors who wagered on Gabriel to win the Golden Boot in Russia. On the other side, the defensive line looked sturdy and reliable, and it could be a key factor in eventual success against the combat Mexico side.
- Brazil is at +200 to play in the Final
- Brazil is at -125 to reach the Semi-Finals
MEXICO
El Tri had a wonderful opening game of the 2018 World Cup, beating the defending champions Germany 1-0 with a tremendous performance, while in the second match, Mexico easily overcomes South Korea 2-1 to top the Group F ahead of the ultimate game against Sweden. However, the Mexicans were so fortunate to proceed to the knock-out stage after a 3-0 defeat against Blue-Yellow, thanks to a surprising South Korea’s victory over Germany.
Mexico has shown two different faces in Russia thus far, as the first two displays have been on the highest level, while the third one against Sweden was miserable. Against Germany, Mexico was playing a tactically genius game, and El Tri needs to replicate this performance if wants to somehow beat Brazil. The talented forward Hirving Lozano was a great danger at the front, and he needs to continue with a strong performance, while the Mexicans will miss the defender Hector Moreno due to a yellow card suspension, which could be a huge blow.
- Mexico is at +6600 to win the title
- Denmark is at +1000 to reach the last four
Brazil vs. Mexico – Match and Odds Breakdown
The Round of 16 is the right time to show your full potential, and Selecao will need its’ best game to beat Mexico, or we’ll see a quite interesting game. The Mexicans can cause a lot of damage with their exceptional pace, and with a solid finishing, I believe they can score in this one. Likewise, +100 odds on the over 2.5 goals look tempting, as the clash could be easily finished in the over if Neymar and Gabriel Jesus finally start to play.
According to BetDSI Sportsbook, the odds on Brazil to cover the spread at -1.5 are +145, and the bettors who fancy Selecao’s chances could wager on this one, as the opening goal in Guillermo Ochoa’s net could easily lead to another. But if Mexico breaks the deadlock first, we’ll have a pure spectacle at Samara Arena, no doubt.
The Pick: Both Teams to Score YES (+104)
