The Mexico vs Brazil Confederations Cup match will be held this Wednesday, June 19, 2013 (12:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza. Mexico is in dire need of points, a draw against the host nation is the minimum necessary result, a loss eliminates Mexico from contention. The 2-1 loss against Italy at the Estadio Maracana has put Mexico in a precarious position, and Chepo de la Torre with one foot out of the Head Coach job.
Brazil opened up the Confederations Cup 2013 with a complete 3-0 victory over a timid Japanese squad. Sure, the Brazilians didn’t demonstrate the jogo bonito, but no one should be dissatisfied with a complete trouncing of the reigning Asian champs. Brazil defeated a Japanese squad that had breezed through World Cup qualifying, which is not as easy as you might think (take a look at South Korea, which had to wait until the very last second to clinch a spot). The Mexico vs Brazil match should be another encounter where the home squad tramples a weak opponent.
Mexico is in deep trouble. It’s all been caused by a series of issues that date back to the beginning of the year: offensive struggles, inability to win, inadequate tactics, and poor man management. All of these problems have a single source: Chepo de la Torre, Mexico’s Head Coach.
Chepo has failed in two key points: man management, and tactics. Chepo alienated one of the best Mexican players, Carlos Vela, at a time when he needed Vela’s attacking prowess the most. Chepo’s biggest issue, however, is his inability to change his tactics to adapt to what the opponent is doing.
De la Torre has consistently (and frustratingly) used a 4-4-2 formation with 2 defensive midfielders over and over again. This formation leaves no one in the midfield who can attack, creating a wide gap between the defensive midfielders and attackers, forcing the attack on the flanks. Opposing coaches have easily figured this out, and have set defenders to mark Guaradado and Barrera/Aquino, effectively stopping all of Mexico’s attack.
In the Mexico vs Brazil match, Chepo must switch his tactics, this is his last chance. Chepo has several options that would enhance Mexico’s attack: playing with just 1 defensive midfielder, placing Dos Santos as an Attacking Midfielder instead of a striker, not playing Guardado, etc. there are plenty of options. However, over the past 6 Hexagonal matches and the match against Italy, Chepo has never deviated from his preferred formation.
It’s very likely that the Mexico vs Brazil Confederations Cup match will be the final nail in Chepo’s coffin. True to his stubborn self, Chepo will come out with a 4-4-2 formation that will doom Mexico to a loss. Mexico fans, it’s time to start thinking about who will be Mexico’s next coach (I’m thinking Tena).
Mexico vs Brazil Prediction
Mexico will come out with a formation that opts to create a solid defensive foundation, and leaves attacking as an afterthought. Brazil will dominate possession, although it will not create as many scoring opportunities as it did against Japan. Although Chepo can be blamed for many things, he can at least be congratulated for creating a formidable defense.
Mexico’s lack of attack will end up costing them the match. When given control of the ball, Brazil can dismantle any team, and will end up generating enough scoring opportunities to take the three points. The Mexico vs Brazil match will end in a 2-0 victory for Brazil. Chepo will have 1 game left as Head Coach, and Mexican fans will hope the next coach does a better job.
Mexico vs Brazil Television
The Mexico vs Brazil match will be televised on ESPN and Univision on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 12:00 PM Pacific.
