Mexico vs. Senegal Olympic Soccer: Start Time, Live Stream, TV Info and More

Mexico and Senegal have made it out of Olympic group play, and now, each must win or go home.

Neither country has lost yet in this tournament. Mexico cruised to the knockout rounds by winning a weak Group B pool. In Group C, Senegal scrapped its way to an unexpected quarterfinals appearance, finishing second to host Great Britain and beating out Uruguay to advance.

With a medal game berth on the line, both squads must keep up their solid play in order to advance. Ultimately, one team will lose its first match of the London Games, and it will be forced to watch on as the other continues its pursuit of Olympic glory.

Where: Wembley Stadium, London, England

When: Saturday, August 3rd, 9:30 a.m. ET

Live Stream: NBC Olympics Live Extra

TV Info: NBC Soccer Channel

A Defensive Juggernaut

It doesn't matter that Mexico has played its three matches against Switzerland, Gabon and South Korea. Luis Fernando Tena's squad has kept its sheet clean for 270 minute of Olympic play; regardless of the opponent, that's an impressive feat on this stage.

Two factors play into this defensive dominance.

First and foremost, Jose Corona has been brilliant in net. The 31-year-old has been under control in goal so far, providing veteran stability to this predominantly under-23 competition.

Corona has also been aided by Mexico's pressure strategy, which has kept the keeper out of harm's way for the most part. With Giovanni dos Santos and the forwards controlling possession in the offensive zone, Mexico's opponents have been back on their heels and unable to attack as strongly.

Tena has figured out a winning formula on defense, and its success or failure will determine whether or not Mexico moves on.

They Won't Be Pushed Around

It may be a surprise that Senegal has made it this far, but it has done so with a style well-suited to taking down Mexico.

Senegal has been defined by its physical play in this tournament, refusing to allow opponents to get into an offensive rhythm. Abdoukarime Diouf was able to use his midfielders to hound Luis Suarez and company in a 2-0 win over Uruguay, and he will likely employ the same tactic to slow down dos Santos and company.

On the offensive end, Moussa Konate is outperforming some of the best players in the world. The Maccabi Tel Aviv forward has been Sengegal's lone scorer so far, and he currently leads the race for the Golden Boot with four goals. He may not be the most dynamic player, but he's a consistent striker with good instincts around the goal—a formula that has worked well so far.

No one thought Diouf's squad would make it this far, but Senegal has no intentions of letting up now.

Prediction

Senegal's strategy yielded a win and a draw against two of the strongest teams in the tournament, while Mexico did not play anyone of that caliber in group play. When they face off in the quarterfinals, the more battle-tested team will prevail.

It won't come easily, and it probably won't come early, but Konate is the guy who is finally going to get to Corona. On the defensive end, Diouf has a stout unit that has passed tougher tests already; expect the Senegal defense to be composed and in control on Saturday.

Powered by a late goal, Senegal will pull off yet another upset in a 1-0 victory, advancing to the semifinals as Mexico's Olympic run comes to a close.