Mexico has raised their game against a top opponent again but, just like in their game against Italy,it has yet to result in them taking a lead. Mexico has kept Brazil at bay for the most part and even looked lively in attack during the first half, but one moment of brilliance from Neymar has the hosts up 1-0 at halftime of this Confederations Cup tilt.
El Tri started very slow, dropping deep and giving Brazil plenty of space in midfield. That backfired, however, and led to numerous early chances for Brazil. Their goal came in the 23rd minute on a great strike from Brazil's biggest star. Dani Alves set up the goal with a dangerous cross into the box that 'Maza' Francisco Rodriguez got a touch to, but couldn't clear completely away from danger. That set up Neymar stepping up and drilling a volley past Jose Corona from the edge of the box to give his team the lead.
Mexico was much better after the goal and perhaps even the better side in the last 20 minutes of the first half. They let Hulk and Neymar break away from them on a couple of dangerous-looking counters, but always recovered well and didn't allow Brazil to do much in the way of building sustained attacks at the end of the half.
Brazil could qualify for the destructive leg with a victory. They have collected 3 points, therefore another 3 would guarantee Brazil is going to complete leastways 2nd in Group A. Selecao looked excellent to Japan, and Luiz Felipe Scolari is going to want to maintain this drive to Mexico.
That is the best Brazil have just seen under Scolari, and that tourney can go a long way to get the team prepare for the World Cup.
Mexico just requires to win, leg. They have won only one time in 6 World Cup qualifying games. El Tri looked very monotonous in their 2-1 loss againist Italy in their 1st game of the tourney.
A loss would not accuse Mexico to sifting. However they would require many things to go right to make it to the destructive leg.
Mexico have sufficient capability to have achieve at the World Cup. Currently, Mexico players look non-sure of themselves and irregular on the field.
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Despite their valiant effort, Mexico kicked off their Confederations Cup campaign with a loss against Italy on Sunday. While a repeat performance would be mildly encouraging, it could also mean their exit from Confederations Cup. Brazil, who comfortably defeated Japan 3-0 in their opener, will like their chances to sink El Tri and potentially dump them out of the tournament, pending the result of Italy-Japan.
Brazil played with Neymar underneath Fred in their first match and the results were encouraging, with Fred setting up Brazil's biggest star for a fantastic 20-yard opening goal. The hosts never looked back after that and never looked to be under too much of a threat from Japan. Mexico entertained in their 2-1 loss to Italy, but were ultimately outclassed.
El Tri tend to bring their best against the world's top sides, but it's tough to see them having much of an answer for Brazil. There simply isn't a single aspect of the game in which they match up well, and it will probably take numerous bad mistakes from the home side for Mexico to avoid defeat.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Casteao, Fortaleza, Brazil
