Prediction: Mexico U23 vs Brazil U23

Verdict: Brazil U23 win & over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two nations who know they’re just a single victory away from a gold medal showdown, Mexico and Brazil will face off at the Kashima Soccer Stadium on Tuesday morning.

Mexico U23

Starting with Mexico, while El Tricolor might have opened their quarter-final meeting against South Korea tipped as a leading contender, few would have expected what was an action-packed display in Yokohama. Managing to avoid what could have been a real second-half collapse on Saturday lunchtime, Head Coach Jaime Lozano eventually saw his side land a stunning 6-3 romp. Knowing that they have the chance to enjoy a real flurry this summer with their senior side still leading the chase to defend their Gold Cup crown, The Greens have largely impressed with their Olympic run at this year’s delayed tournament. Despite being disappointed by their 2-1 loss against host nation Japan on July 25th, Mexico managed to prove that was just a minor blip. Opening up their Olympic adventure by hitting France for four, it should be noted that El Tricolor have scored 13 goals in just their three victories this summer.

Team News

Mexico will be without defender Jorge Sanchez on Tuesday as the young full-back has collected too many bookings this summer.

However, after serving his own suspension against South Korea over the weekend, Carlos Rodriguez will make his return in Kashima.

Brazil U23

As for Brazil, opening up their delayed Olympic adventure with a real statement in Yokohama a fortnight ago, André Jardine’s side find themselves tipped as a standout pick to make it back-to-back gold medals this summer. Laying down a real marker as they breezed past 2016 silver medalists Germany thanks to a thumping 4-2 victory, Seleção should find the mood in their camp at a real high. With a 0-0 stalemate against the Ivory Coast in a Group D matchup last week the only minor blip on their record, The Yellows managed to storm their way to the knockout stage with relative ease. Spearheaded by the attacking partnership of Matheus Cunha and Everton ace Richarlison who have continued on their own free-scoring run this summer, Jardine once again saw his side impress over the weekend. Dominating large spells of their meeting against Egypt in Saitama, Brazil were a more than a worthy winner on Saturday morning.

Team News

Making his return from suspension last week, Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz will once again partner Bruno Guimaraes.

Looking to pick up his first Olympic gold medal this summer, former Barcelona star Dani Alves will lead his team out on Tuesday morning.

Key Factors to Consider

• Each of Mexico’s four Olympic matchups this summer have seen over 2.5 goals by the final whistle.
• Likewise, El Tricolor have seen each of their last three Olympic matchups produce over 1.5 goals in the first-half alone.
• Brazil’s attacking partnership of Matheus Cunha and Richarlison have already scored seven Olympic goals so far.
• The Yellows are unbeaten in each of their four matchups this summer, recording three wins and a single draw.

Conclusion

Watching Mexico at the heart of what was another thrilling affair over the weekend, we could have another lively affair on our hands when the semi-finals open up in midweek. Eventually managing to land themselves what was a stunning 6-3 victory against a plucky South Korea, El Tricolor have really gained a reputation for their action-packed fixtures. Winning three of their four matchups this summer and remarkably bagging 13 goals in that trio of wins, there is no doubt that Mexico will once again have to be at their best on Tuesday morning. With Brazil more than a worthy winner against Egypt on Saturday, many have tipped the defending Olympic champions to claim back-to-back gold medals. Led by both Matheus Cunha and Richarlison who have continued on a free-scoring summer, we’re backing another action-packed contest here.

Verdict: Brazil U23 win & over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 6/4

Bookmaker: Unibet