Mexico
vs.
Sweden
By: Jason Green
Date: Wednesday June 27th
Match Odds: Mexico +140 / Sweden +210 / Draw +225
Over/Under: 2.5 goals
While Mexico has won both of their group matches and scored the Tournaments biggest upset in beating Germany they can still miss the knockout phase. They are in the driver’s seat in the group, but if they lose this match and Germany beats South Korea it will go down to goal differential. However, the Mexican squad can qualify for the knockout stage with a win or draw or of Germany does not beat South Korea.
Sweden looked like they would be in good shape in their last match with Germany, but they gave up a goal five minutes into extra time to take the loss. They have to win this match so they will be on the attack from the get-go.
Mexico is 2-2-1 in their last five matches facing Sweden, all in friendlies, and they faced each other in the World Cup, but all the way back in 1958.
Sweden almost played to a draw against Germany even though they were dominated in time of possession 76% to 24%. Ola Toivonen netted the lone goal and the Toulouse striker and company up front have to push the envelope on the attack since nothing less than a win eliminates them from the World Cup.
Swedish GK Robin Olson played a solid match in the loss to Germany making many key saves to keep the match close. He will likely not see an onslaught of shots from Mexico, who may play more on the defensive side of the pitch.
Mexico beat South Korea 2-1 in their last match where they gave up the lone goal in extra time. Javier Hernandez and Hirving Lozano lead the attack and each has netted a goal in this Tournament. The Mexico defense has played well in their two matches only conceding one goal and in their last five matches overall, they have only given up three goals.
Mexico has a speedy team that is pretty solid all-around the pitch and Sweden will have to play a great match to bag the three points. The Swedes do not have a great attack and they have scored one goal in each of their first two matches. Their midfield has to play the counter-attack well, as the Mexicans will get their chances in this match.
Last Three Matches
Mexico
09/06/18 Denmark 2 Mexico 0 (Friendly)
17/06/18 Germany 0 Mexico 1 (World Cup)
23/06/18 South Korea 1 Mexico 2 (World Cup)
Sweden
6/9/18 Sweden 0 Peru 0 (Friendly)
6/18/18 Sweden 1 South Korea 0 (World Cup)
6/23/18 Germany 2 Sweden 1 (World Cup)
Prediction: Sweden almost pulled off the biggest upset in their last match and have to pull off a small one in this match to stay alive in the World Cup. Mexico is a steady team that has played solid defense in the Tournament and look for that to continue in this match. Sweden will attack and while they will Scoreone goal they will give up one as well. This match will end in a 1-1 draw and that is good enough for Mexico, who will advance to the knockout stage.