Betting on Mexico at the World Cup 2010

 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

Mexico

The lively youngsters of the Mexican side, showed against France, just what they are capable of growing into. The central American side finished second behind the USA in the CONCACAF qualification zone, but in many ways have turned in more accomplished performances than the USA. The Mexicans have speed, agility and some very good youngsters in the squad, which have been the product of their youth system. Carlos Vela and Giovani Dos Santos look a very strong partnership up front, and with Manchester United new boy Javier Hernandez floating around as well, there are the potential for goals. One weapon that the Mexicans do have is pace, and they like to move the ball around and get forward when they can. This is probably driven mostly by the youth movement in their side and they are rarely dull to watch. While they have a good backbone of experience to complement the youth, there are questions about how their defence will stand up.

Mexico are always likely to concede goals, and that will, ultimately be their downfall at the World Cup. But for now, they will know that a win will take them to the top of the group, and it will also mean that they avoid Argentina in the second round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. That is a huge prize to play for. A draw against Uruguay would see the Mexicans finish second, and so the impetus in the match, will mostly come from the central Americans to try and gain an advantage. They are not up against an easy side though, as Uruguay look like they can be a menacing side. But Mexico need to stick to their strengths and take their chances where they come. They were guilty of fading away in the second half of their first match against South Africa, but responded well to comfortably beat a misfiring French side in their second fixture. That has left them on four points, level with Uruguay, but behind on goal difference. There is everything to play for in this fixture, and the spirited Mexicans will be ready for a challenge.

Mexico World Cup Betting. If you weigh up the defences on paper, you would back Uruguay’s over Mexico. The Mexicans will have a lot of heart and belief that they can simply take the game to the South Americans and win, and they will be right to play to their strengths. They cannot afford to let the game get dragged down into a stalemate, and must keep up the tempo. Therefore they are worth backing, at the very least a Draw No Bet. The Uruguayans can scrap it out and defend all day long, and they will be happy to soak up pressure. Do the Mexicans have the ability to push on for more than a draw though? It is easier to see Uruguay settling for a draw than Mexico grabbing a win, and odds reflect that. If you are getting behind Mexico, then you may as well just go all out for a win with them.

Mexico World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P2, W1, D1, L0
GF/GA: 3/1
Cards: Y6, R0
Most Shots: Giovani Dos Santos, 6
Top Scorer: Three players, 1
Shots/On Goal: 26/10
Fouls Committed: 38
Total Passes: 995
Pass Completion: 74%

Uruguay

If Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez is to be listened to, then there is much more to come from Uruguay. The South Americans destroyed South Africa 3-0 in their second Group A fixture, putting them in pole position to take the all important top spot. The winner of the group will likely gain the huge advantage of avoiding Argentina in the second round. That role will fall to the team which ends up in second place in Group A, and that position is being occupied by Mexico at the moment. After a 0-0 draw in their opening fixture, in which Uruguay were criticised a little bit for being defensively negative against France, Tabarez threw three up front to face South Africa, and they clicked in some fashion. The three attackers were Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani and they ran riot over the South African defence. It was a bold move by Tabarez, who could have played it safe again, but he made a tactical call that was just right for the occasion.

Now Tabarez believes that his side will only get stronger. The 3-0 score line against the Bafana Bafana could have been doubled if the Uruguayan strikers had been just a little bit more clinical, but it is hard to knock a team that has just won 3-0. Uruguay look a solid side, and while they are understated in terms of making claims to win the World Cup, they look as if they really can pose a threat. There is a great team ethic running through the squad, a solidarity, Tabarez called it, that will see Uruguay through when tougher matches come along. They also look like a side which will grow in confidence and stature, as, with a little more composure on the ball, with a bit more precision in the final third of the pitch, they could be a real force. By no means are they are complete team, but they look as if they can grow into one. They will know that benefits which come from finishing first. It will mean an easier second round match, and from then on, who knows. First they need to carry momentum by exposing the weaknesses which the Mexican back line have displayed.

Uruguay World Cup Betting. There is little to suggest any reason to be afraid of simply backing them outright in this match. Online bookmakers have the teams fairly evenly matched, but Uruguay have a bit of comfort in knowing that they only need to draw to win the match. They may take it a little bit easier than the Mexicans who need to win to steal top spot, but at the least they should be very good for a draw. They look solid enough at the back to keep out the lively, enthusiastic Mexicans, in what should be a thoroughly entertaining encounter. Any doubts about Uruguay, then a recommendation would be to look for a Draw No Bet option.

Uruguay World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P2, W1, D1, L0
GF/GA: 3/0
Cards: Y2, R1
Most Shots: Diego Forlan, 10
Top Scorer: Diego Forlan, 2
Shots/On Goal: 26/9
Fouls Committed: 23
Total Passes: 882
Pass Completion: 68%

Mexico v Uruguay Betting Odds

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

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: Tough to call this one, which the bookmakers have quite close, probably with odds just favouring Mexico for some reason. Really not a great deal of value around, but for a decent price you can get behind Uruguay going on to win the match, even though a draw is more likely.
Uruguay -0.25 for 7/4 at Bet365

Mexico v Uruguay Odds:

 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