Draws will be enough to send Mexico and Portugal into the knockout rounds, with Mexico currently leading the group by virtue of a single goal scored (The two sides drew 2-2 in the opener).
We mentioned New Zealand’s status as a wild card, but hosts Russia will be under immense pressure against Mexico. The cynic will note that the tournament’s location could help the Russians beyond simple home-field advantage, while a bigger cynic may not that Mexico has been the beneficiary of plenty of officials’ whistles and non-whistles in recent years.
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The Mexico manager vigorously defended his rotation policy on Friday, indicating that it was necessary against a direct and physical New Zealand side. The casualties of that encounter were defenders Carlos Salcedo -- who requires shoulder surgery and will be out for three months -- and possibly Hector Moreno, who Osorio said is in a "recovery process" and may not be fit to face Russia.
GARY / GARLAND TEXAS...... RETIRED
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Mexico only needs a draw to advance. They also have a tendency to play to their comp. Putin is putting pressure for Russia to win. Ill go with the value play here.
Mexico/Russia Draw +234
Portugal/NZ is a mismatch on paper. The best line is -2 at -140. The rest are too much juice. Unless their other suggestions may pass. Perhaps O3?
"Just Got Paid" -- ZZ Top
2008,2009 NCAA HOF Battle of the Brackets Champion