FIFA World Cup Round of 16 - Preview

The first weekend of Round of 16 fixtures are officially in the books, now a new week begins for those remaining countries with dreams of collecting FIFA silverware while on Russian soil.  

Group E winners Brazil start the match-day against old american rivals EL Tri, after four years of waiting for this opportunity to come, we will see which one of these talented sides take the next step to immortality. 

The nightcap features the high-powered Red Devils of Belgium, set to cross path's with the Blue Samurai who are fresh off a FIFA fair play ruling that allowed them to proceed too this stage of the tournament.

62016 Brazil vs 62017 Mexico

 Samara Arena, Samara, Russia

 7-2-2018 - 10:00 am ET 

The Brazilians get back to work on Monday after eventually topping their group stage, while Mexico saw their top seed go up in flames, after squandering a perfect start to their World Cup experience. 

Brazil got off to a staky start while in Russia, after drawing with Switzerland the Seleção re-grouped by winning their next two matches, earning them the top spot in the group, and a number one seed heading into the knock-out phase.

Brazilian manager Tite has found dealing with injuries a difficult matter the longer the tournament has progressed, after losing Fred, Danilo and Douglas Costa, the 'Canarinha' head-man now faces the possibility of facing Mexico without his star full-back Marcelo. Tite should be forced to make changes to his starting eleven, and with depth possibly being an issue to their normal rotation, he must now get his starting and substitution pattern correct.

The "Squad" will still have the services of Neymar, who continues to gain confidence as each match passes. After regaining his form and conditioning during the group stages, the PSG man is now focused on carrying his beloved nation too their sixth World Cup title in their illustrious history. The Seleção attack is greatly centered around Neymar's attacking flare, this specific match seems to favor the Brazilian number ten, his explosive play-making abilities within the teams 4-3-3 formation allows him to have true freedom through-out the attacking half of the pitch. 

Brazil's remaining front-line players have yet to truly contribute based on their abilities, Gabriel Jesus and Willian are spectacular players in their own rights, and seem to be pressing based on the magnitude of the event, but Mondays contest should be a great opportunity for this duo to get on track, and show their true class that earned them a spot on the national team. 

The true star of this team continues to be Philippe Coutinho, the Barcelona creative midfielder has been placed in charge of setting the attack into motion, weaving in and out of the defense to allow his primary trigger men to flourish, while also becoming a menace in front of goal, responsible for 2 goals and 1 assist through his first three matches, Monday seems like another spot for him to keep up his superb play.

Coutinho's fellow midfield running mates have been just as solid in their own specific ways, Casemiro and Paulinho have flew under the radar despite their high-level work rates, clogging the passing lanes and making life difficult on opposing sides who are attempting to find a rhythm, while also using their rare offensive skills to spark the break and sneak in the casual goal.

Filipe Luis could be in line to make his first start this Summer with Marcelo's pending injury concerns, the Atletico Madrid full-back could be asked to slot into the starting position, and continue to make darting runs down the flanks, and use his veteran presence to have a impact on both sides of the pitch. 

The Brazilians have yet to really bust out and have a dominating performance while in Russia, and against a Mexico side who will most likely look to sit back and strike on the counter attack, the South Americans should see plenty of time on the ball, and have several chances to use their creativity in front of goal.

Mexico had their bubbles busted leading into their Round of 16 match-up, after grabbing all six points in their two opening group stage fixtures, EL Tri was then humbled by a desperate Sweden side by a score-line of 0-3.

The Mexicans now get a mighty Brazilian squad for all their efforts, failing to close the deal against the Swede's could now ultimately come back to haunt them, as the number two seed was done no favors in this particular arrangement. 

EL Tri boss Juan Carlos Osorio has came back down to earth after leading his team past Germany to start the proceedings, Osorio now faces the possibility of losing his tenure with the Mexican national team, if he a early exit form the World Cup knock-out phase. The Colombian has never quite been accepted by the Mexican support system, and Monday could certainly be his last time on the EL Tri sideline. 

Hirving Lozano will look to save his managers position, Lozano has been the break-out star for this Mexican side, the young winger has drawn the attention of many of the larger clubs in Europe, and despite Mexico's final result on Monday, "Chucky" has placed himself in a position to be in the worlds spotlight for many years to come. EL Tri will need this young star to once again rise to the level of his competition, and get behind the Brazilian defense and strike them in a uncompromising position.

The Mexican number nine role should once again go to Mexico's all-time leading goal scorer Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández, although Osorio could change his formation at the blink of an eye, he has been in favor of a 4-3-2-1 alignment during the first three matches of competition. Chicharito provides that true scoring threat in front of goal, as his finishing skills have earned him a spot on some of the largest clubs in the world, the Mexican striker also uses a skillful hold-up game in his overall repertoire, making him a valuable commodity within Mexico's tactical vision.  

Carlos Vela and Héctor Herrera give Mexico two top class players from their midfield positions, each can create their own set of match-up problems as EL Tri look for positive components of their attack, having played together for several years they understand one another's movements while moving forward in attack, these two veteran national team members should play major roles in the overall outcome of this particular fixture.

Mexico's holding midfielders Andrés Guardado and Miguel Layún will have their work cut out for them against this high powered Brazilian front-line, gaining possession and setting their danger-men into motion could prove to be challenge, although each are highly experienced and hone their crafts in La Liga, this will be a challenge they have yet to see through this point in the tournament.

Brazil vs Mexico - Prediction

Mexico come into this match-up surprisingly confident, as well as the Betting Public who believe EL Tri could possibly have Brazil's number. But this match up seems to be less competitive than most might assume when you take a good look at both squads.

Brazil have looked to be on cruise control for much of their time in Russia, failing to really show their class we witnessed through the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, although they topped their Group, I believe they still have a statement performance ahead of them.

Mexico seem content on pushing for a counter-attacking style of play, and even though they were successful against Germany and South Korea, this Brazilian side are a different kind of animal, and offer more a resistance as EL Tri try and get out on the break.

I expect a marvelous performance from the Seleção, as they are certain to serve notice to the rest of the field. Expect the South Americans to waste no time imposing their dominance on this CONCACAF side, grabbing a first half lead and riding that momentum out for the full 90 minutes.

Brazil vs Mexico - Tips 

Brazil  -1  -125 / 1.8   -   Full Time Spread 

Brazil - Team Total  Over 1.5  -140 / 1.71  -  Goals 

*Brazil vs Mexico - Prop Option*

Brazil To Score In Both Halves  +140 / 2.4

Round of 16 - Bonus Tip

62022 Belgium vs 62023 Japan

Rostov Arena, Rostov, Russia 

7-2-2018 - 2:00 pm ET 

Belgium - Team Total  Over 1.75  -125 / 1.8 - Goals 

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