Mexico vs. Switzerland: Predictions for Critical Group Stage Match

Things haven't went quite as smoothly for Mexico in London as it would have hoped, but El Tri is still in a very good position heading into its final group stage match with Switzerland. 

After a scoreless draw with South Korea and a less-than-spectacular 2-0 win over Gabon, the Mexicans have four points, but they have been an ugly four points.

Still, things could be a lot worse. Just ask Spain. 

All Mexico needs to do to advance to the quarterfinals is not suffer a huge letdown against the Swiss, who have just one point after two matches and need a two-goal win over El Tri to advance. 

As Mexico is clearly in the driver's seat in preparation for Wednesday's match, let's take a look at what to expect.

Giovani dos Santos Dominates

There are too many factors working in his advantage for him not to have a cracker of a match. 

First, Hector Herrera, who has relegated Dos Santos to zero starts and just one second-half appearance, is likely out with an ankle injury (via goal.com). If Dos Santos doesn't start in this one, it would be fairly ridiculous.

Second, the 23-year-old looks to be way too good for Olympic competition. He's always in fine form on the international level, but against Gabon, he looked unstoppable, scoring Mexico's only two goals in his only half of play. 

Last, Switzerland needs goals, and likely a lot of them. They will move plenty of players forward, leaving them susceptible on the other end. Dos Santos, who possesses insane pace, is the perfect player to capitalize.

Don't be surprised if he doubles his Olympic goal total. 

Switzerland Scores Once

The Swiss are going to have to come out, as the FIFA video game puts it, in ultra attack. If they want to keep any hope of a medal alive, they will have to come away with a big win.

Still though, the Switzerland attacking players have looked mediocre in the first two matches, tallying just 17 total shots and just five on target (compare that to 29 and 11 for Mexico). They have scored twice, but one of those came off a penalty kick. 

Even if they create a bevy of chances, this squad doesn't seem primed to put a lot of balls in the back of the net. Still, expect them to grab one out of sheer volume. 

Mexico Wins the Group

Add it all up, and you have what I expect to be a Mexico 3-1 win. South Korea, which currently has four points as well, could conceivably still win the group with a huge win over Gabon, but I don't expect that to happen.

That means Mexico would go to the right side of the bracket, leaving a dangerous quarterfinal match with the runner-up of Group A, which could be Great Britain, Senegal or possibly even Uruguay.

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