FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Mexico vs Sweden Preview
Despite an impressive win over Germany and a well-fought victory over South Korea, Mexico still needs to draw or win. Sweden has to win or else goes home.
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said his side will stick to its tactics when they play against Sweden. Mexico lead Group F with six points, three more than Sweden and Germany. They have been considered, at least for me, as the dark horse in this group and in this World Cup.
“I think that won’t change. We’re going to go out there to try and secure the three points,” said Osorio to reporters when asked about Mexico’s front-runner advantage.
“That might be a factor but it’s not the most important thing. That will not have an impact on our style of play and our strategy.”
On the other side, Sweden were cruelly denied a point against Germany when they lost 2-1 in stoppage time. The match looked to be heading to draw before Toni Kross’s 96th minute winner. Their 1-0 win over South Korea keeps them in the fight.
Mexico has faced Sweden nine times. The Swedish have won four and lost two. However, they have only met one in World Cup tournaments, where Sweden won 3-0 in 1958.
Line-Ups:
Mexico: G. Ochoa, E. Alvarez, C. Salcedo, H. Moreno, J. Gallardo; A. Guardado, H. Herrera, M. Layun; C. Vela, H. Lozano, J. Hernandez.
Sweden: Olsen; Lustig, Lindelof, Granqvist, Augustinsson; Ekdal, Larsson, Claesson, Forsberg; Toivonen, Berg.
Prediction:
While statistics point at a Swedish victory, Mexico comes with the biggest momentum. This is the game that Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will cement, once again, why Mexico should be considered a contender in this World Cup edition.
Mexico 3 – 1 Sweden
