Match Day 6 Preview

The 6th day of the World Cup features 2 games in group H, the final group yet to play, as well as host Brazil's 2nd match of the tournament. The day starts with dark horse Belgium going up against Algeria at 11:00. Followed by Brazil vs Mexico and Russia vs South Korea. 

Today's Featured Game

Brazil vs Mexico

Brazil come into the game under a lot of pressure to perform better than they did in their first match. Although they came away with a 3-1 win over Croatia, it wasn't a convincing win by any means. But they got 3 points, and that's all that matters. If they can come away with this win against Mexico, they will be moving on to the next round as the #1 team in the group. Their last matchup against Mexico came in last summer's confederations cup. Neymar led Brazil to a 2-0 victory with a goal and an assist in that meeting. Brazil will be looking to repeat that result this time around. They will shore up their defense and attack in force against the Mexicans, who looked dangerous in their opener against Cameroon.

Mexico are also sitting on 3 points, only behind Brazil on goal difference. This match will most likely determine who will finish a top group A. If Mexico lose this game, they will need to get at least a point out of their final match with Croatia in order to advance. In their first game against Cameroon, Mexico came out on top 1-0 through an Oribe Peralta goal late in the second half. Despite only scoring the 1 goal, Mexico looked dangerous going forward. Wrongly having 2 goals disallowed for offside made the score line a poor reflection on how the game actually played out. Brazil, however, is a much different side than Cameroon. The Mexican defense will be put to the test. The Brazilians will possess the ball for a majority of the game and put immense pressure on the back line of Mexico. The attacking players of Mexico will have to commit to the team defensive effort if they want to have a chance to get something out of this game.

Players to Watch:

Brazil

Thiago Silva (Defender) - Silva is one of the best center backs in the world. Is strength and aerial ability make him a threat from corners, as well as a wall in defense. Mexico will try to isolate Brazil's defense with quick counter attacks, so Silva will be crucial if Brazil want to keep a clean sheet.

Fred (Forward) - He's not the quickest forward, but Fred is a force in the penalty area. The Mexicans will struggle with this strength and capable striker. Obviously Neymar is the danger man, but Fred is an underrated part of the attack force.

Mexico

Guillermo Ochoa (Goalkeeper) - The Mexican goalie with be crucial in a game where their net will be under siege. His acrobatics kept Cameroon out of the net during the opener, but he'll have to perform even better to keep this Brazilian team out of his goal.

Rafa Marquez (Defender) - The Mexican captain may not be the player he was a few years ago, this being his 4th World Cup, but he will be needed more than ever against this Brazil attack. His leadership in the back will make or break this game for the Mexicans.

Game Prediction:

I don't think Brazil will come out like they did against Croatia. Their defense will tighten up and make life extremely difficult for Mexico's forwards. Mexico's weakness lies in the back line, and it will show during this game. Even though Brazil will be without starting winger, Hulk, they have players more than capable of exploiting the holes in the Mexico back line. Mexico will try to hit back on the counter attack through Giovani Dos Santos, Peralta, and Hernandez (when they sub him on). But with Javier Hernandez being in one of the worst goalscoring droughts of his national team career, I don't see Mexico scoring this game.

Score Prediction:

Brazil 3 Mexico 0

Belgium vs Algeria

Belgium are in the middle of a golden generation of football. With a roster filled with elite players like, Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Thibaut Courtois, and Romelu Lukaku, this Belgian team is poised for a deep run in this tournament. This match against Algeria won't be easy but Belgium should be able to come away with the win.

Belgium 2 Algeria 1

South Korea vs Russia

Russia are pegged by most to be the second best team in this group. Although they lost their captain, Ramon Shirokov to injury just before the tournament, they have leaders like keeper Akinfeev and forward Kerzhakov to headline the squad. If this team wants to get out of the group, they need a win over South Korea.

Russia 3 South Korea 1