Mexico v Sweden preview: El Tri on verge of topping Group F
Germany and South Korea play in other game
Wednesday 27 June 2018 13:55, UK
Mexico will top Group F with maximum points if they beat Sweden in their final World Cup group game on Wednesday, but need just a point to qualify.
El Tri have already beaten Germany and South Korea in their opening two games and are currently top of their group, with just a point needed to secure their spot in the last 16.
However, coach Juan Carlos Osorio says Mexico will be going all out for victory and their style of play will not be altered.
"I think that won't change. We're going to go out there to try and secure the three points," he told reporters when asked about Mexico's front-runner advantage.
"That might be a factor but it's not the most important thing. That will not have an impact on our style of play and our strategy."
Sweden can also qualify with a win and are currently level on three points with Germany - who beat them 2-1 with a late goal on Saturday - and coach Janne Andersson is prepared to take on Mexico for a place in the knockout rounds.
"We had a very good performance against Germany and deserve great respect for that. We know that Mexico are a very good team," he said.
"They are fast and technically gifted. We respect them as opponents. We are not going to be surprised by them. We know they are good team. We are ready to play them and we are looking forward to the challenge."
Draws in both final games would see qualification determined by goals scored. Identical records would then see qualification decided by the better result when the teams met, which would see Germany go through courtesy of their 2-1 win.
Team news
Both managers have had success with their chosen line-ups so far and with plenty still to play for, there are not expected to be many changes.
Neither side have any injury or suspension concerns heading into the game at the Central Stadium in Yekaterinburg.
Opta stats
Mexico and Sweden have faced each other on nine occasions but only once at a World Cup, Sweden winning 3-0 in their opening group stage match in 1958.
Mexico have only lost one of their last five matches against the Swedes (W2 D2), though they've all been friendlies.
Sweden have kept clean sheets in three of their four World Cup contests against CONCACAF sides - winning two and drawing one (L1).
Mexico have never won three consecutive matches at the World Cup and could become the first CONCACAF team to achieve this feat in World Cup history.
Sweden's defeat to Germany was their first in the group stage of the World Cup since 1990, when they lost 2-1 to Costa Rica.
Mexico have lost just two of their last 19 World Cup group stage matches (W10 D7).
Sweden have won only four of their last 13 World Cup games when they've scored first (D5 L4).
Javier Hernandez's goal in Mexico's 2-0 win over South Korea was his fourth at the World Cup - only Luis Hernandez has scored as many for Mexico in World Cup history (also four).
Sweden's Ola Toivonen didn't score in 23 matches for Toulouse in Ligue 1 during the 2017-18 season, failing with all 19 of his shots. At the 2018 World Cup, Toivonen has scored once from just two shots.
Sweden registered just 24% possession in their 2-1 defeat to Germany, their lowest figure in a World Cup match since 1966.
Charlie Nicholas' prediction
Sweden have been very good in this tournament so far. In terms of organisation and togetherness it's as good as anything we've seen so far. However, they are a counter-attacking side and when they are asked to go on the front foot it doesn't always work. That's what makes this game very awkward for Sweden. By having to go for it, Sweden could easily get picked off by the Mexicans, who have an abundance of pace up front. Mexico may consider a change or two but for me, this is the type of nation that will want to keep the momentum going. They'll want to win the group and that's what I expect them to do. Don't be surprised to see Javier Hernandez get another goal or two either.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
