After a stuttering start to the World Cup, Brazil ended up as group winners following a 2-0 win over Serbia to book their spot in the last-16. They seem to be clicking into gear at just the right time as they look to live up to their billing as pre-tournament favourites. Mexico came perilously close to being eliminated at the group stages, despite winning their opening two games, as they forfeited top spot in a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Sweden. El Tri need to up their game now in order to harbour any hopes of springing an upset against Brazil in Monday's early match. Mexico will trouble Brazil on the counter, with Lozano in particularly one to be wary of, but the Selecao should win here.
This tie is a very good looking game. With Brazil there are little spells of flamboyancy but there are spells where you can really get at them defensively. People say you need physicality to beat Brazil but this side is pretty good at dealing with that.
What you can do is get at them on the counter-attack and this is what Mexico are good at. I see this being another absorbing game and I do see Brazil wrapping this up fairly comfortably. I'm backing Gabriel Jesus to stand up and deliver for Brazil.
Brazil big favourites to go through to the next round, but I’m still waiting for them to hit top gear. Lots of people will be waiting for Neymar to start playing well, especially after backing him for the Golden Boot. Mexico have been superb. They have a massive following and their fans have been excellent. I do think they will lose this one against Brazil, but it could will be close. Going 2-1 Brazil.
I think Brazil are still in second gear. When the confidence is up they've shown glimpses of playing the Samba way but at other times they've been average. Against Mexico, I think they need to get in front. Brazil will play in a similar style to Germany but let's look at where Germany are now, they are at home. Mexico beat a very poor Germany side before being ripped to pieces by Sweden.
We know what the pattern of this game will be. Mexico will look to have some success on the counter-attack but Brazil have much more quality than Germany did. I don't see anything but a Brazil win.
I don't think Brazil enjoy playing against Mexico, who have a decent record against them.
Brazil have won four of their past six meetings but, since 1999, Mexico have won seven and draw three of their 15 matches.
So the Mexicans will not fear them the way some teams do - but they might have problems stopping them.
Brazil look like they are just starting to come to the boil. Neymar has not really got going yet but, when their attack clicks, the pace with which they come forward is frightening.
After a stuttering start to the World Cup, Brazil ended up as group winners following a 2-0 win over Serbia to book their spot in the last-16. They seem to be clicking into gear at just the right time as they look to live up to their billing as pre-tournament favourites.
Mexico came perilously close to being eliminated at the group stages, despite winning their opening two games, as they forfeited top spot in a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Sweden. El Tri need to up their game now in order to harbour any hopes of springing an upset against Brazil in Monday's early match.
Mexico will trouble Brazil on the counter, with Lozano in particularly one to be wary of, but the Selecao should win here.