Brazil v Mexico Team News, Form and Preview
Brazil will look to continue their strong start to the 2014 World Cup when they take on Mexico at the Estadio Castelao on Tuesday.
Phil Scolari’s side got their tournament underway with an unconvincing 3-1 win over Croatia on Thursday with a brace from Neymar and a toe-poked effort from Oscar sealed the win.
The result put Brazil top of their table and on course for the knockout stages and they can take another huge step against their Americas rivals Mexico.
Despite the opening day win, Scolari could make some changes to his side especially in midfield and up front where the likes of Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho and Fred struggled to make an impact.
Ramires, Inter Milan star Hernanes as well Jo are hoping to get the nod ahead of the aforementioned trio while Bernard could also come into contention if Hulk struggles to shake off the thigh injury sustained in the game.
The Mexican’s meanwhile opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Cameroon although the score-line also had a skewered look to it after Miguel Herrera’s men have two legitimate efforts ruled out.
Herrera side showed some mixed form coming into the tournament losing to both Portugal and Bosnia however prior to that they had scored three goals against Ecuador and Israel.
Judging by their opening win over Cameroon, the Mexican’s look a decent proposition especially in attack where Giovani Dos Santos, whose two efforts were ruled out, and Oscar Peralta caused plenty of problems.
Mexico have a strong record against the Brazilians. They shocked the country at the 2012 London Olympics, claiming gold with a 2-o win at Wembley and have won 7 and drawn 2 of their last 13 encounters.
However they lost their most recent meeting when they went down 2-0 to Brazil in the 2013 Confederations Cup with goals from Neymar and Jo sealing a 2-0 win for Scolari’s side.
On that occasion they went onto the win the cup and another success on Tuesday could prove another good omen.
