Olympic Football 2012: 10 Bold Predictions for Mexico vs. Japan

The semifinals of men's Olympic football are coming right up, and Luis Fernando Tena's Mexico U-23s take on Takashi Sekizuka's Japan at Wembley Stadium Aug. 7.

The winner of this contest will advance to the gold medal match against either Brazil or South Korea. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. BST.

Here are 10 bold predictions for Mexico vs. Japan.

1. It Will Be a High-Scoring Game, with More Than 5 Goals

The goals will be flying in this semifinal for sure. Mexico's quarterfinal with Senegal was a goal festival, with El Tri doubling up on Les Lions de la Teranga. Japan, meanwhile, scored three goals in their shutout victory over Egypt.

These are two teams that are capable of producing fantastic goals. More than five between both sides will be scored on Aug. 7.

2. It Will Be a Tough Night at the Office for Shuichi Gonda

Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda had an easy go at things against Egypt.

Mexico, however, will be a different story.

Gonda has never faced an attacking corps this dangerous and lethal as El Tri. He will be making under five saves as Mexico take their best shots against the FC Tokyo netminder.

3. Jose Corona Will Have at Least 5 Saves

Mexico goalkeeper Jose Corona might surrender a goal or two against Japan, but he will do just enough to hold back the Blue Samurai.

Look for at least five saves from Corona at Wembley.

4. Mexico Will Dominate the Stat Sheet

Against Senegal, Mexico conceded more shots (24-to-20), more shots on goals (10-to-8), more corners (10-to-4) and more possession (52-to-48 percent).

That will change against a Japan side that dominated the stats against Egypt.

5. Mexico Will Strike 1st in the 1st 20 Minutes

Jorge Enriquez opened the scoring in the 10th minute against Senegal and will fancy his chances to open up the match again.

As a midfielder for Chivas de Guadalajara, Enrique has two goals in 39 league appearances.

6. Giovani dos Santos Will Get on the Score Sheet for Mexico

Mexico forward Giovani dos Santos spearheaded the rally for El Tri in extra time against Senegal in the 98th minute. Dos Santos currently has three goals in this tournament and will look to add another to his collection against the Blue Samurai.

7. Carlos Salcido Will Have 2 Assists

When it comes to finding a veteran who can deliver, look no further than defender Carlos Salcido.

On Aug. 7, the Tigres UANL defender (who, to a degree, resembles the current president of the United States as of this article date) will record two assists against Japan.

8. Kensuke Nagai Will Get on the Score Sheet for Japan

Forward Kensuke Nagai, who forms a power scoring tandem with Yuki Otsu, scored in the 14th minute against Egypt.

Nagai currently has two goals in the tournament and will look for No. 3 on Aug. 7.

9. Yuki Otsu Will Get on the Score Sheet for Japan

Japan's forward combination will leave their mark against Mexico, and Yuki Otsu will want in on the goalscoring party.

Like Nagai, Otsu has two goals in this tournament and will score his third on Aug. 7.

10. Mexico Will Pull Away in the 2nd Half

After a tentative first half, Mexico will pull away in the second half with a goalscoring barrage that will seal El Tri's ticket to the gold medal game against Brazil (or South Korea).

Mexico double up on Japan in the semis.

Prediction: Mexico 4, Japan 2