Brazil vs Mexico: Key Players from Both Sides Sure to Factor in Outcome

Every game of soccer takes on its own unique identity, a new strategical battle taking place and different players from match to match ultimately dictating the outcome.

But who will those players be when Mexico takes on Brazil in a much-anticipated friendly on Sunday afternoon? Which players will ultimately be determining factors in their team's success or failure?

Glad you asked. Let's take a look at three players sure to have a major impact in this contest.

Neymar

He's considered the best young player in the world and is thought by many to be the next Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. While that praise may be a bit too lofty, he's certainly a factor in any outcome for Brazil.

Against the United States he scored a goal on a penalty kick, assisted on two more and would have notched a third assist had the subsequent shot not hit the post. He and Marcelo absolutely owned the left side of the pitch against the United States and will look to do so again against Mexico.

Plus, no one on the pitch will do anything with quite the flair of Neymar. Like him or not, he's fun to watch.

Javier Hernandez

El Chicharito isn't the world's most consistent player, but he is a world-class striker and electric performer when he is on the top of his game.  

He has nine goals in Mexico's last 10 games and came off the bench to score El Tri's game-winning goal on Thursday against Bosnia-Herzegovina. And with Brazil likely to dominate play and keep the game on Mexico's side of the field most of the game, he should have an opportunity or two to strike on the counter-attack.

If he can make Brazil pay for their aggressive, pressing style, Mexico will have a chance to steal a victory against the South American powerhouse.

Marcelo

Thiago Silva may be Brazil's best defender and will have a big task dealing with Hernandez on Sunday afternoon, but he won't have the impact offensively and defensively that Marcelo is capable of.

From the left back position, Marcelo comes far up the field in support of the offensive attack and is extremely dangerous. He scored a goal on the counter-attack against the United States and set up another after playing a beautiful lob pass to Pato, who finished with a first-class goal.

And he also spent most of the day shutting down Landon Donovan on the wing, so his defensive presence can't be ignored.

No player is likely to impact the game as much on both sides of the ball as Marcelo. As long as he keeps his cool, he's a player whose footprint should be all over this match.

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