MLB Best Bets – Free (Wednesday 7/24)
Josh Gross
Mexico World Cup Team Preview
Mexico
FIFA Ranking: 13
Manager: Gerardo Martino
Federation: CONCACAF
Group: C
Odds to win World Cup: +15000, PointsBet
Odds to win Group C: +490, FanDuel
Odds to advance in Group C: -111, PointsBet
How did Mexico qualify for the World Cup?
Mexico struggled against the other “big dogs” in CONCACAF going a combined 0-2-2 against Canada and the US. That said, Mexico was able to fairly easily qualify for the World Cup without much of a sweat taking care of the minnows in CONCACAF.
Who is Mexico’s most important player?
Hirving Lozano
The future of El Tri is finally a seasoned international veteran for Mexico and will be the focal point of their attack. Lozano has been in good form for the surging Napoli and his pace and creativity with the ball makes Mexico a dangerous attacking team.
What are Mexico’s strengths, weaknesses, style of play and form?
Mexico will play a 4-3-3 that focuses on their wide-players’ pace and high pressing attacking fullbacks. In qualifying, Mexico had very impressive possession numbers and it seemed as if coach Gerardo Martino was purposefully trying to slow down the pace of play. That said, I am not confident Mexico will continue that slower paced style of game in the World Cup, and expect them to rely on their quick-buildup and counter attacking play.
The theme of qualifying was that Mexico had no issues beating inferior teams. In a group where Mexico stands out as the second-best team (behind Argentina), I think Mexico’s tenacity against any opponent is a major plus particularly in a tournament like the World Cup. This team has experience and shouldn’t have issues potentially dropping points to a team like Saudi Arabia.
On the flip side, it’s concerning that Mexico struggled against the US and Canada in qualifying. This team is unlikely deep enough to make a major run in this tournament.
Mexico beat Iraq in their first World Cup tune-up game 4-0 but have recently lost to both Colombia and Peru. This is a good demonstration of Mexico not struggling vs. bad teams, but really struggling against quality sides.
What is Mexico’s World Cup Outlook?
El Tri always have arguably unrealistic expectations in major tournaments, but realistically they should advance through the Group Stage and struggle to get past their next opponent in the Round of 16. Assuming Argentina wins Group C and Mexico finishes second, Mexico would face the winner of Group D, which would most likely be France; Denmark if they are lucky.
Best Mexico World Cup Bet
Group C Straight Forecast: Argentina/Mexico (+225, DraftKings Sportsbook)
There are talks that this is not a very strong Mexican side, but I do like them still quite a bit higher than Poland. Argentina are the clear favorites to win the group which they should with ease. My favorite bet here is betting Argentina to win the group and Mexico to finish second, +225 is good value compared to -111 for Mexico to advance.
Mexico World Cup Roster
Goalkeepers: Guillermo Ochoa, Rodolfo Cota, Alfredo Talavera
Defenders: Nestro Araujo, Jesus Gallardo, Gerardo Artega, Hector Moreno, Jorge Sanchez, Johan Vazquez, Cesar Montes, Kevin Alvarez
Midfielders: Erick Gutierrez, Orbelin Peneda, Hector Herrera, Carlos Rodriguez, Andres Guardado, Roberto Alvarado, Edson Alvarez, Luis Chavez, Uriel Antuna, Luis Romo
Forwards: Hirving Lozano, Rogelio Fuenes Mori, Henry Martin, Raul Jimenez, Alexis Vega
Group A | Ecuador Senegal Netherlands Qatar
Group B | Iran Wales USA England
Group C | Mexico Saudi Arabia Poland Argentina
Group D | Tunisia Denmark Australia France
Group E | Japan Germany Costa Rica Spain
Group F | Croatia Morocco Canada Belgium
