France Mexico Betting – France In Danger Of Missing The Knockout Phase
Online betting players watched France sleepwalk through their first match of the World Cup when they took on Uruguay, and now they’re facing a dangerous team in Mexico, who may be without their best player. France will be improved, but we’re still not sold on their attack, and another goalless draw could be in their future.
- What: World Cup Betting
- When: Thursday, June 17, 2:30 PM ET
- Where: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
- Key Stats: France has five wins and a draw in seven meetings with Mexico
The Storyline
Both teams are coming off disappointing draws in their opening matches, and neither looked like they had any business being in South Africa. France drew 0-0 against 10-man Uruguay, and barely looked like scoring. Mexico drew 1-1 against South Africa to open the tournament in a much more entertaining match, but they’re going to need a better performance to take out what should be a fired-up French team.
Who Has The Edge On Offense: France Mexico Betting
The French played a 4-3-3 against Uruguay, and while they managed 20 shots, only three managed to hit the target. Florent Malouda was left on the bench, and outside of Franck Ribery, there was no creativity in the team. Nicolas Anelka was invisible, and while Theirry Henry made history by becoming the first Frenchman to play in four World Cups when he came on after72 minutes, he didn’t do much with his cameo. They even earned a tongue-lashing from French legend Zinedine Zidane, who could probably step back into the side today and be their best player.
Mexico controlled South Africa with 65% of the possession in the match, but like France, they had some problems finding the net, which they did with only three of their 16 shots. But it was Rafa Marquez’s 79th-minute goal that earned the Mexicans a draw, and they were always dangerous with their crosses. However, it was somewhat surprising to see Cuauhtemoc Blanco on the bench, and the playmaking midfielder should be on the field from the start this time.
Edge: Mexico
Who Has The Edge In Defense: France Mexico Betting
The French defense had problems keeping up with the Uruguayan duo of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, and William Gallas in particular looked a bit off the pace. The talent is there at the back, led by captain Patrice Evra, but Eric Abidal is playing out of place in the middle, and Gallas has been inconsistent all season.
Mexico played a more adventurous game against South Africa, but they were caught out of position on a couple of counterattacks by the hosts, in particular on the goal after 55 minutes. Marquez moved up from the middle of the defense to the holding role in midfield, which definitely hurt the back line.
Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries – France Mexico Betting
News has emerged that Marquez (calf) may have to miss this game because of a knock suffered in the South Africa game, and that would be a massive loss for the Mexicans.
Edge: France
Totals – France Mexico Betting
The talent is there to go over the posted total of 2, but we’re a bit skeptical after what we saw from the France attack in the opener. In addition, with Marquez out, the Mexicans may commit more players to defense.
Edge: UNDER 2
France Mexico Betting Prediction & Outlook
France comes in as a +120 favorite, while Mexico is listed at +240, and a draw is rated at +210. France has dominated Mexico in the past, winning five and drawing one of their seven meetings, and they should be a little more inspired than they were in the opening game after hearing criticism. Mexico could really be hurt by the loss of Marquez, and captain Gerardo Torrado will have to play a bigger role in midfield to quiet the French. While France will play better than they did against Uruguay, it still won’t be enough to get past the Mexicans. The draw is the smart sports betting play here.
