Mexico look to upset Brazil in last 16 of World Cup

Edson Alvarez of Mexico reacts after winning the FIFA World Cup 2018 group F preliminary round soccer match between Germany and Mexico in Moscow, Russia, 17 June 2018.

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Sunday Jul 01, 2018. 11:30

Mexico will eye Brazil’s scalp on Monday when they meet in a last 16 tie at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

The match will get underway at 16:00 (CAT) at Samara Arena.

The Mexicans emerged from Group F with six points from two victories and one defeat, but managed to join Sweden in the knockout stages.

Having defeated defending champions Germany 1-0 and beat South Korea, they succumbed to a defeat against the Swedes.

Mexico will hope to reach the quarter-finals for the third time after doing so in 1986 as hosts, as well as in 1970 and 1986.

Çoach Juan Arbelaez will look to goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa to deny Brazil whilst hoping to see the likes of Giovanni Dos Santos unlock the opposing defence.

Brazil will be against a familiar foe in the form of El Tri and coach Tite will want to inspire his troops to march all the way to the next stage.

The 2014 hosts started Group E with a 0-0 draw against Switzerland, beat Costa Rica 2-0 and secured a 2-0 victory over Serbia in their final match.

Coach Tite will look to players like Neymar Junior and Thiago Silva to reach the knockout stages.

In head-to-head meetings, Brazil have beaten the Mexican team 16 times compare to eight wins for the latter while four matches have ended in draws.