Sweden is kicking itself after just missing out on an opportunity to put itself in a great position to qualify for the knockout rounds, while leaving Germany’s hopes on life support. However, it wasn’t meant to be, as Sweden allowed a goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. That leaves Sweden needing a win in their final Group Stage match. It will be a tough task as they must face a Mexico team that has been lights out through two games at the World Cup.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Mexico +139
Sweden +222
Draw +223
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
It has been a dream start to the World Cup for El Tri. Mexico has been able to make it out of the Group Stage and into the knockout rounds for six straight World Cups, but they have been eliminated in their first elimination game each time. Their recent stretch of play has many believing that this might be the year they finally break that streak.
Mexico was able to pick up a massive 1-0 win over Germany in their opener thanks to a great goal from Hirving Lozano. He has been one of the stars of the tournament for El Tri and continues to impress each time he is on the pitch. Lozano was able to make his presence felt too in a 2-1 win over South Korea on Saturday. He set up Chicharito for the game’s second goal, which was needed after Son Heung-Min pulled one back for South Korea in stoppage time. That goal may turn out to be huge too, as there is a scenario where Mexico doesn’t make it to the knockout round because of goal differential.
If Sweden is unable to make it to the Round of 16, they are going to look back on the game against Germany as a missed opportunity. The Swedes picked up a deserved 1-0 win over South Korea in their opener and looked like the better side for much of the first half against Germany. Ola Toivonen put Sweden ahead 1-0 going into halftime, and it looked like the Swedes would at least pick up a point, especially after Jerome Boateng was ejected following a second yellow. Toni Kroos left Sweden on the wrong side of some World Cup magic though, putting them on the wrong side of the qualification fight.
Matchup to Watch
In its run to the World Cup, Sweden has relied on its defense. The Swedes were one of the best defensive teams during qualifying and they have leaned heavily on their defense in their first two matches. Against South Korea, they were stolid in the back. They did not allow a goal and only allowed a handful of chances too.
El Tri might be able to unlock this team at the back though. Their passing and ability to counter has been sublime to this point, and they will test Sweden in different ways. Robin Olsen will need to be up to the challenge.
Player to Watch
Marcus Berg is in the spotlight for multiple reasons at the moment. Sweden fans called foul when it appeared that Berg was fouled in the box late in the match against Germany, but the Swedish team was not awarded a penalty. That proved to be costly once Kroos scored at the death.
However, now there is talk of Berg being unable to play in this match. He was selected for a random doping test after the loss to Germany, but he refused to wait to give a sample and instead left. That is typically met with a punishment from FIFA, and they may choose to suspend him.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is going to be a tough match between two quality teams. With that in mind, a draw seems like a great bet. Both teams have been defensively sound, so a 1-1 draw seems like the right call.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Sweden 1, Mexico 1
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