2018 World Cup Betting Predictions: Mexico vs. Sweden Odds

The Swedes are underdogs to get the necessary result to move on to the knockout stages and avoid an early end to their adventures in Russia.

Mexico vs. Sweden Odds and Betting Analysis

World Cup betting odds: Mexico +126

Date: June 27, 10:00 AM ET

Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg, Russia

There’s been an avalanche of goals since the weekend. There were 39 goals scored in 10 matches from Saturday to Monday and the over (2.5 goals) cashed in nine of the 10 games.

The introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is playing a large role. This year’s tournament set a new World Cup record for penalties awarded after the total climbed to 20 after Monday’s matches. Those 20 penalties led directly to 15 goals with five missed opportunities.

VAR seems to be taking a larger role as the referees become more comfortable with the technology and procedure. Bettors should take this into consideration for when placing their total wagers.

Mexico and Sweden have each converted on their penalty chances in the group stage. Sports Interaction lists the over at +120 and the under at -153.

Mexico

Two years ago, Mexico manager Carlos Osorio was facing the wrath of a nation after El Tri lost 7-0 to Chili at the Copa America. Just last summer, Mexico supporters were grumbling more of the same when their team lost 4-1 to Germany at the Confederations Cup.

But Osorio is a national treasure with Mexico poised to place first in Group F and advance to the knockout stages at the World Cup. El Tri were +9200 longshots to win the tournament before the first ball was kicked but are now priced at +2900 to hoist the World Cup trophy at the SIA futures book.

Sweden

Toni Kroos’ dead-ball winner is one of the most memorable moments of an outstanding group stage at the 2018 World Cup, but the Blue-Yellow are trying to put it out of their minds heading into their showdown with Mexico.

A win against El Tri and a Germany loss or draw against South Korea puts Sweden into the knockout stages. Sweden haven’t been bounced from a World Cup in the group stage since 1990.

Mexico vs. Sweden Prediction

Mexico 2, Sweden 1

Mexico’s pacey forwards are sure to give Sweden’s slow-footed defenders headaches in the first half. We expect Mexico to get the first goal and then grab another when Sweden pushes for the equalizer.