Mexico have never defeated Brazil in a World Cup match.
Brazil's forward Neymar (Photo: AFP)
After two dramatic penalty shoot-outs on Sunday, we gear up for yet another exciting day of football as Brazil takes on Mexico in what promises to be another classic for the ages.
Both the teams have no shortage of talent and star players who can decide the match on their own at any given moment.
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Brazil have been overwhelming so far and Tite will be hoping for all his top players to finally perform to their potential. Mexico, on the other hand, have never defeated Brazil in a World Cup match and will be looking to create history.
Here is a list of five players who we think will make the difference today for their respective sides.
Philippe Coutinho, Brazil
All eyes were on Neymar before the World Cup but Coutinho has easily been Brazil’s best player of the tournament so far. He scored the opening goal vs Switzerland and scored the winner vs Costa Rica.
Brazil will be hoping for Coutinho to shine again as Neymar has been out of touch so far in this tournament. If Coutinho is in the mood, don’t bet against him scoring another curler from 25 yards out.
Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, Mexico
Not many had heard about Hirving Lozano before the World Cup started, but after his heroics against Germany, he has now become a household name in Mexico.
He has so far been excellent for Mexico, scoring the winner against Germany and assisting another against South Korea. Mexico will be hoping for Chucky to add another goal to his World Cup tally and down rivals Brazil.
Neymar, Brazil
Neymar got injured before the World Cup and his first game back from injury was Brazil’s opening game against against Switzerland. He has looked rusty so far and is trying too much all at once. So far, he has only scored one goal.
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Brazil will need Neymar to finally step up vs Mexico and take some of the burden off Coutinho’s shoulders. He needs to link-up with Coutinho on the left side and do the basic things right rather than going for the magnificent.
Paulinho, Brazil
Not many expected Paulinho to start over Fernandinho but Tite prefers him because of his knack of scoring important goals. He scored Brazil’s opening goal vs Serbia and scored six goals in 11 matches during the WC qualifiers as well.
He will play an important role for Brazil as he will be expected to break-up Mexico’s attacks and get into the opposition box and score a goal or two.
Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico
The last time these two sides met in a World Cup match in 2014, Ochoa won the man of the match as he made six saves including two point-blank saves versus Neymar.
He has been excellent at this World Cup as well as he kept a clean-sheet against Germany making some excellent saves. If Mexico needs to have any chance of stopping the swashbuckling Brazilian attack, Ochoa will have to take his game to another level.
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