Copa: Mexico vs Uruguay
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Mexico vs Uruguay
University of Phoenix Stadium: Glendale, AZ – 8PM ET
Uruguay +225
Mexico +145
Draw +215
Total 2 (Over -125)
El Tri supporters have reason to be optimistic; their beloved national team hasn’t conceded a single goal since Juan Carlos Osorio took over for Miguel Herrera last October. The green and white find themselves on an 11 game undefeated streak including eight straight victories. Mexico’s depth and home field advantage they’ll see throughout Copa America are a major reason they’ve become a trendy selection, not named Brazil or Argentina, to win the tournament.
If Mexico is to extend their 600 minute clean sheet steak they’ll be tasked with limiting Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani. Luis Suarez is nursing a hamstring injury and although he might be available should Uruguay advance to the knockout stage his status is tenuous at best during group play. I don’t buy Cavani’s scoring prowess as the primary attacker considering he’s always been surrounded by world class talent like Suarez on the international stage and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at PSG.
While defense has been the strength of this Mexican side, they’ve yet to display that attacking flair in Osorio’s 4-3-3 formation. Javier Hernandez (Chicharito), Andres Guardado, and Jesus Corona need to be that trio on offense capable of leading Mexico on a deep tournament run.
With Suarez out of the mix Urguay needs to rely on their veteran defensive core led by Maxi Pereira and Diego Godin. I can’t see Uruguay taking on a full blown defensive posture but I contend that’s their best chance to stay in the mix for top billing in Group C especially against Mexico.
Couple all the tactical advantages working in Mexico’s favor with a virtual home game for them in Glendale and that’s all the fuel I need to back El Tri in what should be a hard fought, low scoring victory. The number has taken off tempering the strength of my sentiments but it hasn’t moved enough to back me off the game.
The Play: Mexico PK -135 Risking 1.35 to win 1
Also if you can grab Mexico +105 or better to win Group C that’s a worthwhile investment as well
Copa YTD: 1-1 (0 units)
