Betting odds Mexico

 Manager: Javier Aguirre
Captain: Rafael Marquez
FIFA World Ranking: 17
World Cup appearances: 13
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals; 1970 & 1986

Mexico Betting Article

Mexico Team Profile

Mexico, from the North America zone of qualifying, finished second in the CONCACAF qualifying sector after a strong finish to qualifying ensured Mexico would make the cut and go to their fifth World Cup in succession – what would be their fourteenth overall once they touchdown in South Africa. However, it has been turbulent times for a nation which has always been thereabouts in the FIFA Rankings – Currently ranked 17th – with several managers coming and going since their previous World Cup in 2006, but the Mexican’s appear to have the natural born leader they were so desperate for in Javier Aguirre, who has steadied the Mexican ship to guide them to another World Cup after early signs were that Mexico might not even make the cut after a sloppy start to qualifying.

Javier Aguirre really has been a revelation for Mexico, changing the entire complexity of the team which had been massively under performing for several years before his arrival at the helm. He’s found the right blend of players which works for him and Mexico, with a mixture of both experience and youthful exuberance working in qualifying while it has the locals back home all excited about the prospect of a big campaign in South Africa. The objective for Aguirre will be to guide El Tri further than they’ve ever been before in a World Cup and that’s past the Round of 16 stage of the tournaments. Mexico have fallen at that same Round of 16 stage in the previous four tournaments, and fans back home simply cannot take another last-sixteen heartache in South Africa.

Nickname: El Tri

Strengths

A right mixture of combative and inspirational knowledge from some of their more experienced internationals and some of their younger stars, has worked wonders for Javier Aguirre, who masterminded Cuauhtemoc Blanco’s decision to come out of retirement in a bid to save Mexico’s faltering qualifying bid. It was a decision which paid huge dividends as Blanco’s emergence back into the Mexico fold sparked a Mexican revival, while the young stars in the Mexico set up; Dos Santos, Carlos Vela and Andres Guardado have all slowly but surely found their footing.

What you have to consider is Mexico was a team drained of any self belief and confidence, they were on their knees before Aguirre pleaded with Blanco, a Mexican legend, to come out of retirement in a bid not only to save their faltering campaign, but to also provide the new generation of stars with the inspiration needed to kick-start their prosperous futures. Mexico finished qualification with plenty of winning momentum, which leads us to believe that Mexico are well on their way to recovery and that they’ll head to South Africa with plenty of positive and optimistic momentum. 

However, in terms of positives on the field, Mexico’s passing game is second to none. They are quick, slick and damn effective at getting forward at pace and in numbers. Aguirre has got this Mexico team playing some crisp football, very pleasing on the eye, and with some tricky customers within their ranks, players like Guardado, Dos Santos and Vela, Mexico will cause even the most well-drilled defences plenty of problems.

Weaknesses

The sheer fact Mexico are seemingly cursed whenever they get to the Round of 16 stage is a big worry for start – Exiting at the last-sixteen stage in their previous four World Cup’s, but this Mexico team, despite enjoying a strong finish to qualifying, were a team who had to endure several low points during qualifying and often took a while to fully recover and bounce back. They are a team which need a lot of confidence and momentum before their games, and definitely require a lot of love and caring attention from their manager. A bad start to the tournament and it could be curtains for Mexico, as they do tend to be a team which dwell on their mistakes.

Also, we would have to say Mexico are arguably the most wasteful team we know in terms of doing all the hard work in creating cracking openings only yo fluff their lines on multiple occasions. Clincal is a word best used to describe Mexico and if El Tri are to make some serious inroads at South Africa; Franco, Hernandez, Vela, Dos Santos and Blanco will all need to find some inner confidence, and more importantly the goal.

Mexico Qualification for the World Cup

Mexico didn’t get off to the best of starts in their bid to qualify for South Africa, 2010. They started qualifying with back-to-back defeats following defeats away at USA & Honduras, and by the mid-way stage of proceedings, Mexico were in a precarious position after losing four of their opening five qualifiers. However, they finished qualifying strongly, beating Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Costa Rica & Honduras in a four match winning streak which evidentially sent them to South Africa before they played out a 2-2 draw with Trinidad & Tobago in their final qualifiers.

It was a poor start, drastic actually, from Mexico but they finished the campaign strongly with four consecutive wins, a run which didn’t just salvage their qualifying campaign, it sent them up to second in the CONCAFAF qualifying zone table and through to South Africa 2010. The poor start to proceedings was, however, a bag indication that this Mexico team still isn’t at the level needed to really challenge some of the world’s best teams. Moreover, were they to get off to a similarly bad start in South Africa, there could be no coming back.

World Cup Potential: 3/5

The Mexicans have always been a tricky nation to follow in previous World Cup’s. They seem to boast a deceiving FIFA World Ranking most of the time, often leading to El Tri massively underachieving. However, Mexico are one of those nations which are capable of springing a surprise, defeating a big name when everyone turns up and performs. The problem is, Mexico generally disappoint in the crunch games, while the squad Aguirre will be taking to South Africa is arguably the weakest, or at least unproven, that Mexico have had in the finals for quite some time.

Mexico are currently ranked 17th in the world, and that’s generous. El Tri were woeful and utterly helpless at times during qualifying, while some of their big names, their future stars, haven’t performed to the standards expected by the eccentric Mexico fans. There’s every chance Mexico could edge their way through Group A, but the knock-out stage is where Javier Aguirre and Mexico will find one too strong.

Mexico World Cup Betting Odds

Mexico to win the World Cup: 40/1 bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on Argentina were 100/1

Official Mexico World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Luis Ernesto Michel (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Óscar Pérez (Jaguares de Chiapas)

Guillermo Ochoa (CF América)

Defenders

Rafael Marquez (Barcelona)

Ricardo Osorio (VfB Stuttgart)

Francisco Javier Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven)

Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven)

Jorge Torres (Atlas Guadalajara)

Efraín Juárez (UNAM Pumas)

Jonny Magallón (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Paul Aguilar (CF Pachuca)

Héctor Moreno (AZ Alkmaar)

Midfielders

Israel Castro (UNAM Pumas)

Andrés Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna)

Alberto Medina (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul)

Pablo Barrera (UNAM Pumas)

Adolfo Bautista (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Guillermo Franco (West Ham United)

Strikers

Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz)

Carlos Vela (Arsenal)

Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray)

Javier Hernandez (Deportivo Guadalajara)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Mexico Fixtures – Group A

27/06 – 19.30 – Round of the last 16: Mexico – Argentina: 1-3

World Cup 2010 Group A - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Argentina v Mexico Betting Odds

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick Off: 19.30 GMT

Argentina to win: 4/7 at Paddy Power
Draw: 10/3 at SkyBet
Mexico to win: 13/2 at Victor Chandler

Argentina

World Cup Second Round: Argentina are dominating the stats in most departments of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The South Americans, who are now level with Brazil and Spain as outright favourites to win the tournament, have looked one of the most impressive teams in the competition. Spearheaded by Lionel Messi, who, incredibly has still not got on the score sheet despite having a wealth of chances, Argentina look a tough team to break down. Their main strength is in in their attack, which is so well balanced that it comes from all directions. They attack hard down both flanks, and can pull the strings easily through the middle of the park as well. The main problems teams have had against Argentina, is stopping this versatile attack, and it is not just the good system which coach Maradona has employed, but it is the quality which is being delivered by the players. They really have not put a foot wrong, from opening their World Cup with a solid win against Nigeria, to crushing the Korea Republic, and then having the craft and guile to comfortably play their way past a battling Greek side in their final match. Nine points from three games, seven goals scored and just one against. The stats make for some pretty impressive reading for Argentina. They have produced the most passes as a nation at the World Cup, as well as having a passing completion rate which is second only to Holland and clear leaders in that stat, Brazil.

Gonzalo Higuain is in line for the Golden Boot after netting himself a hat trick against South Korea, and they have danger men all over the pitch. While they have the individual talent, the most surprising thing about Argentina, is how well they are gelling together as a team and fighting hard for one another. It is the battling to win the ball back and snuffing out the opponents, which is sort of the basis for their success. They are stronger at the back than many may think, and while they have not come up against difficult opposition, they look very composed in building from the back. Argentina are the tournament top scorers. They have had the most attempts on goal, and they have gotten the most on target. They have almost a 50% success rate of getting shots on goal, which is pretty impressive. Their opponents in the second round are Mexico, who fought well in Group A. But the Argentina side will be looking at them, and not really seeing how they will possibly have the quality to break down the strong South American unit. Argentina will start this match as strong favourites, and rightly so. If they progress, then they will meet the winner of Germany and England.

Mexico

One thing Mexico have, is a great work ethic. They play with so much drive and excitement, they often lose their way at the back. This comes from having a very talented youthful crop of players in their side, and after holding South Africa to a draw, and then beating the French, Mexico looked to be heading in the right direction. Mexico seemingly travelled the length and breadth of Europe in their build up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, pitting their wits against the best. That seems to have put them in good standing, and they comfortably dealt with France. They needed a win against Uruguay in their final match to pinch top spot from the South Americans, but they couldn’t do it. In many ways it was their worst performance so far, giving the ball away and ceding a lot of ground, ball and initiative to Uruguay. It was not the performance they wanted, as it has landed them with a tie against one of the tournament favourites, Argentina. Not that it will have dented the excitement, hopes or dreams of Mexico. The word from the Mexico camp is that they are quite excited to be taking on the best, and they will show no fear going into the game.

That is the spirit they will need if they are to hold their own against Argentina. Mexico will be expected to lose, but the thing which will keep them going, is that it is better to lose against the best, than go out with a whimper against a team they could easily beat. Mexico have done OK in front of goal, but perhaps a little more was expected from them, despite being relatively inexperienced. The likes of Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez are young enough to have the world at their feet, and while they have posed a threat, simply because of the energy with which Mexico play, they would have hoped for a more goals. Perhaps one positive they can take from the defeat against Uruguay, is that they have gotten their bad game of the tournament out of the way, and now they can focus on going forward and trying to take the game to Argentina. Mexico will be plucky, but the big question will surround the quality they have in their side. To be honest, they have played very well at times, for periods of games they really show up, but they do not seem to have the consistency to sustain their top level for long period. Against Argentina, that is something which will let them down, and they will get punished for it.

World Cup Second Round Betting Tip: Lionel Messi Anytime Scorer – 5/4 at Coral
 

Current Argentina V Mexico Odds:

World Cup Betting Group A Odds

Tuesday will see the first group settled, and the first places booked in the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. There seems little doubt as to which two teams it will be going through, but in what order remains to be seen. Uruguay top Group A on goal difference over Mexico, and those two go up against each other Monday with both sides only needing a win to progress. But both teams will want to push on for the win, as top spot in the group will mean avoiding the in form Argentina in the second round of the tournament. That means there is a lot to play for between the Central and South American teams. But there is another scenario which could happen, and that is seeing France or South Africa scrape in to second place. That would only happen if the Uruguay v Mexico match ends in a heavy win for one of the teams, and it will also need the winner of the France v South Africa match to win well, for goal difference needs to be overcome. Is there another twist in this fascinating World Cup?

Group A Standings
Uruguay: P2, W1, D1, L0, GF3, GA0, Pts 4
Mexico: P2, W1, D1, L0, GF3, GA1, Pts 4
France: P2, W0, D1, L1, GF0, GA2, Pts 1
South Africa: P2, W0, D1, L1, GF 1, GA4, Pts 1

To Win Group A
Uruguay: 2/7 at Bet365
Mexico: 12/5 at Paddy Power

To Qualify From Group A
Uruguay: 1/33 at SkyBet
Mexico: 1/19 at Bwin
France: 14/1 at Ladbrokes
South Africa 33/1 at Blue Square

Match Odds
France to win: 13/10 at BetFred
Draw: 12/5 at SkyBet
South Africa: 2/1 at Boylesports

Match Odds
Mexico to win: 3/1 at SkyBet
Draw: 4/5 at Bet365
Uruguay to win: 18/5 at SportingBet
 

World Cup Group A Teams: France, Mexico, Uruguay and South Africa. The curtain raiser for the 2010 World Cup, is the fixture between host nation South Africa and Mexico. South Africa will have a lot of hype surrounding them, not to mention the hopes of the Rainbow Nation. But, when betting on the World Cup there is no room for any sentiments, as you simply want to make your wagers work the hardest for you. While they may not be a strong team, that does not mean that there is not potential for winning money, as you should consider betting on the weaker nations to be the best at being worst. Here in a series of previews of World Cup bets, we preview the top five best value World Cup Bets for Group A.

Group A Outright Winner: France Evens at SkyBet
There is a huge amount of uncertainty about the chances that France have of getting anywhere in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But even with all of coach Raymond Domenech’s tinkering with the players and formation, there is a sense of inevitability about Group A. It is clearly not the toughest group in the World Cup, and there is much whispering in betting circles about some of the biggest upsets occurring in this group, simply because of the French. But France still remain firm outrights to win the group, and they actually represent good value to do that, simply because there is doubt over them. They are the experienced team full of World Cup heritage in Group A, and as much as there may be hints of upsets, it is hard to look beyond France winning the group. Here is the thing though, it may not be as straight forward as they would hope, but that doesn’t mean that they will not win it. The French have changed to a more attacking formation, and that could give them the edge they need. They are not a solid, accomplished team by any stretch of the imagination. Mexico probably are the biggest threat to them, a Mexico side who beat Italy in an international friendly as part of their build up. England beat them though without playing very well. What it boils down to, is that France do have the big time players and that just gives them the edge, however hard they may be pushed.

South Africa to Finish Bottom: 5/4 at SkyBet
The poor South African’s are in serious threat of becoming the first host nation in World Cup history not to reach the second round. They are actually on a long unbeaten run, scrapping for results wherever they go. They do show some stubbornness in their approach, but their tactical plan of playing with wing backs, means that they are easily picked off if teams sit back against them and catch them on the break. The South Africans have only been playing International Friendly matches, and while it is to their credit still that they have not been beaten, they are likely to find the level at the World Cup beyond them. The World Cup needs its hosts to stay in the competition as long as possible, and that could just be for three games unfortunately. Even if they scrape their way to three drawn matches, it does not look as if it will be enough to get them off the bottom, because the other three teams look like they are all capable of beating each other. Uruguay and Mexico looked evenly matched in World Cup Odds just behind France, and that leaves South Africa flailing in the group.

To Qualify Mexico: Evens at Paddy Power
Mexico recently beat Italy in an International Friendly as part of their warm up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and while there are weaknesses there, there looks enough potential to get through to the second round. They showed against England that they could keep the ball well, but looked a little slack at the back. If they can tighten that up, then they may even push for the top spot in the group with France not being particularly strong. Betting on Mexico at the World Cup makes for some interesting reading, with some profit there to be garnered. The expected outcome is for France to top the group, and then have a scrap for second between Mexico and Uruguay. There does not appear to be too much between them, but the majority of World Cup betting will lean towards Mexico, as Uruguay have been very quiet in their approach to the tournament. Because they are close with Uruguay, any bet at around Evens for a team to qualify is very good value.

Most Group Stage Goals Scored: Uruguay 3/1 at Bwin
They have Diego Forlan in their ranks, and it is worth looking at Uruguay in this market. They should have the beating of South Africa, and should be able to find the holes in the Mexican and French defences. That’s not to say that they do not have frailties at the back of their own, but that doesn’t matter for this bet clearly. They scored 28 goals in 18 qualification games in the South American qualification zone, at an average of 1.56 goals per match. Mexico’s average was at 2.00 during qualification but they were in a much weaker zone, so it all should even out.

Most Group Stage Goals Conceded: South Africa 13/10 at Bwin
This bet is based on value alone, and there looks enough sense to back it quite well. They are perceived to be the weakest team in the group, and there is nothing much at the back to stop the other teams in the group exposing them. There really is not a very strong defence in this group, and the host nation’s could be the worst of a bad bunch, and it is hard to see the other teams conceding more than them overall.
 

 Manager: Javier Aguirre
Captain: Rafael Marquez
FIFA World Ranking: 17
World Cup appearances: 13
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals; 1970 & 1986

Mexico Betting Article

Mexico Team Profile

Mexico, from the North America zone of qualifying, finished second in the CONCACAF qualifying sector after a strong finish to qualifying ensured Mexico would make the cut and go to their fifth World Cup in succession – what would be their fourteenth overall once they touchdown in South Africa. However, it has been turbulent times for a nation which has always been thereabouts in the FIFA Rankings – Currently ranked 17th – with several managers coming and going since their previous World Cup in 2006, but the Mexican’s appear to have the natural born leader they were so desperate for in Javier Aguirre, who has steadied the Mexican ship to guide them to another World Cup after early signs were that Mexico might not even make the cut after a sloppy start to qualifying.

Javier Aguirre really has been a revelation for Mexico, changing the entire complexity of the team which had been massively under performing for several years before his arrival at the helm. He’s found the right blend of players which works for him and Mexico, with a mixture of both experience and youthful exuberance working in qualifying while it has the locals back home all excited about the prospect of a big campaign in South Africa. The objective for Aguirre will be to guide El Tri further than they’ve ever been before in a World Cup and that’s past the Round of 16 stage of the tournaments. Mexico have fallen at that same Round of 16 stage in the previous four tournaments, and fans back home simply cannot take another last-sixteen heartache in South Africa.

Nickname: El Tri

Strengths

A right mixture of combative and inspirational knowledge from some of their more experienced internationals and some of their younger stars, has worked wonders for Javier Aguirre, who masterminded Cuauhtemoc Blanco’s decision to come out of retirement in a bid to save Mexico’s faltering qualifying bid. It was a decision which paid huge dividends as Blanco’s emergence back into the Mexico fold sparked a Mexican revival, while the young stars in the Mexico set up; Dos Santos, Carlos Vela and Andres Guardado have all slowly but surely found their footing.

What you have to consider is Mexico was a team drained of any self belief and confidence, they were on their knees before Aguirre pleaded with Blanco, a Mexican legend, to come out of retirement in a bid not only to save their faltering campaign, but to also provide the new generation of stars with the inspiration needed to kick-start their prosperous futures. Mexico finished qualification with plenty of winning momentum, which leads us to believe that Mexico are well on their way to recovery and that they’ll head to South Africa with plenty of positive and optimistic momentum. 

However, in terms of positives on the field, Mexico’s passing game is second to none. They are quick, slick and damn effective at getting forward at pace and in numbers. Aguirre has got this Mexico team playing some crisp football, very pleasing on the eye, and with some tricky customers within their ranks, players like Guardado, Dos Santos and Vela, Mexico will cause even the most well-drilled defences plenty of problems.

Weaknesses

The sheer fact Mexico are seemingly cursed whenever they get to the Round of 16 stage is a big worry for start – Exiting at the last-sixteen stage in their previous four World Cup’s, but this Mexico team, despite enjoying a strong finish to qualifying, were a team who had to endure several low points during qualifying and often took a while to fully recover and bounce back. They are a team which need a lot of confidence and momentum before their games, and definitely require a lot of love and caring attention from their manager. A bad start to the tournament and it could be curtains for Mexico, as they do tend to be a team which dwell on their mistakes.

Also, we would have to say Mexico are arguably the most wasteful team we know in terms of doing all the hard work in creating cracking openings only yo fluff their lines on multiple occasions. Clincal is a word best used to describe Mexico and if El Tri are to make some serious inroads at South Africa; Franco, Hernandez, Vela, Dos Santos and Blanco will all need to find some inner confidence, and more importantly the goal.

Mexico Qualification for the World Cup

Mexico didn’t get off to the best of starts in their bid to qualify for South Africa, 2010. They started qualifying with back-to-back defeats following defeats away at USA & Honduras, and by the mid-way stage of proceedings, Mexico were in a precarious position after losing four of their opening five qualifiers. However, they finished qualifying strongly, beating Trinidad & Tobago, USA, Costa Rica & Honduras in a four match winning streak which evidentially sent them to South Africa before they played out a 2-2 draw with Trinidad & Tobago in their final qualifiers.

It was a poor start, drastic actually, from Mexico but they finished the campaign strongly with four consecutive wins, a run which didn’t just salvage their qualifying campaign, it sent them up to second in the CONCAFAF qualifying zone table and through to South Africa 2010. The poor start to proceedings was, however, a bag indication that this Mexico team still isn’t at the level needed to really challenge some of the world’s best teams. Moreover, were they to get off to a similarly bad start in South Africa, there could be no coming back.

World Cup Potential: 3/5

The Mexicans have always been a tricky nation to follow in previous World Cup’s. They seem to boast a deceiving FIFA World Ranking most of the time, often leading to El Tri massively underachieving. However, Mexico are one of those nations which are capable of springing a surprise, defeating a big name when everyone turns up and performs. The problem is, Mexico generally disappoint in the crunch games, while the squad Aguirre will be taking to South Africa is arguably the weakest, or at least unproven, that Mexico have had in the finals for quite some time.

Mexico are currently ranked 17th in the world, and that’s generous. El Tri were woeful and utterly helpless at times during qualifying, while some of their big names, their future stars, haven’t performed to the standards expected by the eccentric Mexico fans. There’s every chance Mexico could edge their way through Group A, but the knock-out stage is where Javier Aguirre and Mexico will find one too strong.

Mexico World Cup Betting Odds

Mexico to win the World Cup: 40/1 bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on Argentina were 100/1

Official Mexico World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Luis Ernesto Michel (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Óscar Pérez (Jaguares de Chiapas)

Guillermo Ochoa (CF América)

Defenders

Rafael Marquez (Barcelona)

Ricardo Osorio (VfB Stuttgart)

Francisco Javier Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven)

Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven)

Jorge Torres (Atlas Guadalajara)

Efraín Juárez (UNAM Pumas)

Jonny Magallón (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Paul Aguilar (CF Pachuca)

Héctor Moreno (AZ Alkmaar)

Midfielders

Israel Castro (UNAM Pumas)

Andrés Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna)

Alberto Medina (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul)

Pablo Barrera (UNAM Pumas)

Adolfo Bautista (Deportivo Guadalajara)

Guillermo Franco (West Ham United)

Strikers

Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz)

Carlos Vela (Arsenal)

Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray)

Javier Hernandez (Deportivo Guadalajara)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Mexico Fixtures – Group A

27/06 – 19.30 – Round of the last 16: Mexico – Argentina: 1-3

World Cup Group A - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of Mexico