Hosts Brazil favourites to win Group A

Hosts Brazil favourites to win Group A

By Michael Gales Jun 16, 2014

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After an opening win hosts Brazil play Mexico on Tuesday, while Croatia go head-to-head with Cameroon on Wednesday. Read this World Cup Group A betting article ahead of the second group games.

Brazil vs. Mexico betting (June 17th)

Brazil vs. Mexico World Cup Group A betting will see victory for either side go a long way to securing top spot, and all but assure their place in the next round.

The hosts were given a scare in their World Cup Group A betting opener against Croatia when they fell behind after 11 minutes, but recovered to win 3-1. Boy wonder Neymar scored twice before Oscar calmed a nation with a late goal to secure the points.

Mexico in comparison beat Cameroon 1-0 in the rain soaked surroundings of Natal in spite of having two legitimate goals disallowed for offside in the first half.

Neither Luiz Felipe Scolari or Miguel Herrera are liable to overhaul their teams, though the hosts do have some concern over the fitness of Hulk, who limped out of training on Sunday morning with a thigh problem.

Brazil are available at 1.313* on the 1X2 market which accounts for a 76.16% chance of winning, while Mexico (12.240*) have, according to the odds, a mere 8.17% chance of winning.

The handicap market has Brazil as the -1.5 favourites, while the total goals line is set at Over/Under 3.

Interestingly the Over 10 corners is the bench mark, after 11 games there have been an average of 8.9 corners per game – In the two Group A games so far there have been 17 corners. (Read this article on how to calculate corners)

Historical Statistics

Brazil and Mexico are meeting for the fourth time at the World Cup. The Seleo have won their three previous meetings with a combined score of 11-0.

Brazil and Mexico last met in the 2013 Confederations Cup, the hosts won 2-0.

Mexico have won just one of their 11 games at the World Cup against South American sides, drawing two and losing eight.

Brazil have lost just one of their 34 World Cup matches in the group stages of the World Cup since 1970 (W27 D6).

Click here for the latest Brazil vs. Mexico betting

Croatia vs. Cameroon betting (June 18th)

Neither Croatia nor Cameroon can afford to lose this World Cup Group A game if they want to avoid an early exit.

Cameroon succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Mexico in their opener, though it could easily have been more. Head coach Volker Finke will be expecting a much-improved display from his players as they look to secure a crucial 3 points.

However they will be without influential striker Samuel Eto’o who will miss the game due to the injury, with Pierre Web expected to start in his absence.

In comparison Croatia impressed against Brazil in the World Cup opener despite defeat. The return of Mario Mandzukic will provide a welcome boost to Niko Kovac and the Bayern star is expected to be drafted straight back into the starting XI.

Given that Croatia performed well against Brazil and welcome back two key players in Mandzukic and Danijel Pranjic, it is no surprise they are the current 1.680* favourites, which equates to a 59.53% chance of winning, compared to Cameroon who are offered at 5.990* (16.69%).

The handicap market has a split handicap with Croatia the -0.5 & -1 favourites, while the total goals line is set at Over/Under 2.5.

Historical Statistics

The two teams have never played each other

Click here for the latest Croatia vs. Cameroon betting

*Odds subject to change

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