Before the final game of the group stages, it looked as if Mexico might be favorites to break their streak of six consecutive exits at the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
They were going to finish first in their group and play the second placed team in Group E (Switzerland). That changed in an eventful evening in Yekaterinburg as El Tri put in a pedestrian performance against Sweden, resulting in a 3-0 loss.
While South Korea’s brave performance against Germany saved Mexico from elimination, the loss to Sweden meant that Mexico will be playing favorites Brazil in the Round of 16. Most teams would not be given a chance against this Brazil side but Mexico have already shocked one pre-tournament favorite: Germany.
In that match, the CONCACAF side played the perfect game against the defending champions as they were lethal on the counter-attack. El Tri will have to be even better if they are to defeat Brazil. The following are some tactical decisions that Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio should make if Mexico is to achieve the impossible.