London Olympic Special
The Samba boys and El Tri have remained unbeaten at the London Olympics but Mexico beat Brazil 2-0 in a friendly prior to the Games. Moreover, Mano Menezes' men have conceded five goals to Mexico's three. An indication of Brazil's shaky defence.
Brazil may have switched off at the back but their attacking creativity with Hulk, Leandro Damiao and the sensational Neymar have produced three goals in each game, a total of 15 goals were scored in five games with Damiao leading the charts with six goals in just four games.
Mexico, on the other hand, are riding high on Gio dos Santos' form in recent games. The Tottenham forward has scored three goals while senior player Oribe Peralta scored two. Attacking midfielder Hector Herrera's brilliance has led to most of Mexico's goals.
Coach Luis Fernando Tena will have to deal without the injured Giovani dos Santos, which means Javier Cortes could replace him along with Marco Fabian in an advanced role in midfield.
Mexico's most experienced player defender Carlos Salcido, who played in a central midfielder's role against Japan, is likely to continue in midfield while the back line will remain the same.
Mano Menezes seems to be happy with his line-up and is likely to retain the same squad which thrashed South Korea 3-0. Except for one change with left-back Alex Sandro, who could be replaced by Marcelo, Chelsea's Oscar will continue to play behind strikers Leandro Damiao, Hulk and Neymar.
PSG's 32 million pound Lucas Moura will start on the bench only to be brought in as an impact player. Although impressive in a few cameo roles, Lucas has yet to shine at the Olympics. Midfielder Romulo and Spurs' Sandro are favourites to start.
A tight contest is expected between the two heavyweights of football but can Brazil clinch their first ever gold at the Games or will Mexico spoil the Samba boys party.
Kick Off at 07:30 PM IST, Aug 11, Wembley, London.
Key Players:
Brazil: Neymar, Oscar and Leandro Damiao
Mexico: Carlos Salcido, Marco Fabian and Hector Herrera
Probable Lineup:
Brazil (4-3-3): Neto-Rafael, Thiago Silva, Juan, Marcelo-Romulo, Sandro, Oscar-Hulk, Leandro, Neymar
Mexico (4-2-3-1): Corona-Israel, Reyes, Araujo, Chavez-Enriquez, Salcido-Aquino, Herrera, Fabian-Peralta
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