2018 World Cup Betting Prediction: Brazil vs. Mexico Odds

The two soccer giants will meet Monday with a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line – and while the Brazilians come in as heavy favourites, they can’t take anything for granted against a Mexican side that already has a win over defending champion Germany on its ledger.

World Cup 2018: Brazil vs. Mexico Odds and Betting Analysis

World Cup Moneyline: Brazil -208

Date: Monday, July 2, 10 a.m. ET

Samara Arena, Samara, Russia

Brazil slept through the first 180-plus minutes of its World Cup run, settling for a 1-1 draw with Switzerland and sitting on the brink of a scoreless tie with Costa Rica before scoring twice in injury time. That late surge seemed to invigorate the five-time champions, who were full value for their group-closing 2-0 triumph over Serbia. Mexico (+579) opened with wins over the Germans and South Koreans, but fell 3-0 to Sweden in a dreadful final-game showing.

Finding value in a potential Mexico victory isn’t difficult given the long odds, but Brazil backers can also find creative ways to increase their profit potential. A Brazil/Brazil half-time/full-time result pays +124 – and if the Brazilians get out to an early lead, they’re one of the best in the world at protecting it. There’s also the result/total combo to consider, with a Brazil/over 2.5 goal play worth +130 and the Brazil/under 2.5 goal play paying out at +203.

Brazil

On one hand, it speaks to the depth of this Brazilian side that four players accounted for the team’s five goals scored in the group stage. But on the other, you have to wonder if Brazil can hope to reach the title match without more of a contribution from Neymar, who scored just once in three games despite being one of the favourites to win the tournament scoring title. Neymar is now a +1,300 longshot to finish with the most goals.

Mexico

As bad as the final score looked, Mexico actually played a decent game, controlling possession two-thirds of the time while taking 20 shots – three on target. But Juan Carlos Osorio’s troops will need to be much better against Brazil, which enters the elimination bracket as a +321 favourite to win it all. Look for the Mexicans to be aggressive on the counterattack, making the +115 play on both teams to score a solid option.

Brazil vs. Mexico Prediction

Brazil 3, Mexico 1

Mexico is good, but Brazil is better. Neymar has yet to hit his stride, but he was made for the big stage – and even if he doesn’t convert, his supporting cast is plenty good enough to push the Brazilians through to the quarterfinals.