Mexico Olympic Soccer Team 2012: 6 Key Duels to Watch in Quartefinal vs. Senegal

Mexico will be the favorites heading into their quarterfinal matchup against Senegal.

With that said, it will be a highly contested match. Somewhat surprisingly, Senegal emerged from Group A with five points, which was good enough for second in the group. Now they are hoping to take down an upstart Mexico team that gutted out a victory over Switzerland on Wednesday.

Now the two teams are facing off in the knockout stages, and these are the key duels that you need to watch throughout the match.

Moussa Konate vs. Mexico Defense

Moussa Konate is leading the race for the golden boot, and the Mexican defense needs to be careful.

He has a nose for goals, and he can finish in front of the net. Individually, he isn't the most creative or dangerous player on the pitch. However, in the scope of a match, he can get just enough space to score a goal.

He scored four goals in the first three matches, and he's looking to add to that total. Mexico can't let their guard down when he's in the box.

Giovani Dos Santos vs. Senegal Midfielders

Defenders don't stand much of a chance if Giovani dos Santos is bearing down on them with a full head of steam.

Therefore, it is up to the holding midfielders of Senegal to keep him in check.

Senegal were incredibly physical in the group stage, and that should continue. If they are able to stay close to Dos Santos, they have a chance of slowing him down. If he gets space, though, he will carve their defense apart.

Jose Corona vs. Ousmane Mane

This game could become very open very quickly.

If that happens, the goalkeepers must step up.

Senegal has conceded two goals in the tournament, which is respectable. But Mexico has a 270-minute clean sheet so far. Both teams have played well in the back, but Mexico has been slightly better.

With that said, the goalkeepers will need to make a few big saves. The team's keeper that makes more key saves will triumph.

Mental Toughness

Things go wrong in the knockout stages, but teams need to keep their cool.

If one of the teams gets out of the game mentally, it will completely change their play. Once that happens, they'll only have an uphill battle. Referees' calls, poor play from teammates and coaching decisions all could affect a player's temperament during the game.

Whoever is tougher mentally will have the edge.

Luis Fernando Tena vs. Abdoukarime Diouf

Tactics will play a key role in this match.

The two teams are relatively even, but the team that employs the better tactics will be in better shape. Should Luis Tena have his team pressing for the whole match? Will Abdoukarime Diouf order his players to physically bully the Mexican playmakers?

Depending on the answers to those questions, this match could go either way. Moreover, the teams' success in these tactics will also be paramount. Both teams are good, but which team will be smarter?

Mexico Pressing vs. Senegal Defenders

There are times when Mexico wants to press 80 yards from their own goal.

When that happens, Senegal's backline needs to remain composed. Sharp passing and quick clearing is the solution to hard pressing. There will be plenty of space behind the midfielders; Senegal just needs to find it.

Switzerland had a tough time clearing their lines in the second half against Mexico, which was why the last 45 minutes were so one-sided. Senegal needs to remain composed, or this game could get ugly.