Japan vs. Mexico: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Japan and Mexico were both eliminated from Confederations Cup contention with losses in their first two matches. Brazil and Italy will advance from Group A. It leaves nothing to play for but pride when the sides meet to finish group play.

The Samurai Blue were in position to pull off an upset against Italy. They scored the first two goals of the match. A Daniele De Rossi goal right before halftime turned the tide; however, and Japan let three crucial points slip away in the second half.

Mexico's biggest problem continues to be creating chances. El Tri's only goal in the tournament came on a Javier Hernandez penalty kick. They have scored just two goals in their last five matches, a worrisome issue as they seek a World Cup berth.

Both squads will want to end the tournament on a high note even though their hopes of reaching the knockout stage were dashed. With that in mind, let's take a glance at all the key viewing information for the match, followed by some players to watch and a prediction.

Where: Estadio Mineirao in Minas Gerais, Brazil

When: Saturday, June 22 at 3 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPNews

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Japan Player to Watch: Shinji Kagawa

After failing to make an impact in the opener against Brazil, Kagawa made a far greater impact in the disappointing loss to Italy. The Manchester United midfielder scored a goal and was a constant threat moving forward for the Samurai Blue.

The 24-year-old playmaker combines a heavy dose of creativity with pinpoint passing ability. Unfortunately for Japan, it hasn't been able to surround him with enough attacking talent to maximize his play in the midfield.

Mexico has struggled to control possession in the middle of the pitch, a contributing factor in the side's offensive woes. It should lead to a lot of touches for Kagawa. That's good news for Japan, which needs a win to avoid finishing in the Group A basement.

Mexico Player to Watch: Giovani dos Santos

For El Tri to bring an end to their scoring problems, they need somebody other than Hernandez to elevate their form. Opponents are clamping down on “Chicharito” and forcing other members of the Mexican squad to beat them. No one has been up to the task.

In the past, it's a role that's been filled by Dos Santos. The Mallorca forward has scored 14 goals in 67 appearances at the international level. It's been more than a year since his last one, however, which came last June against Guyana.

If Mexico is going to yield at least one win from the tournament, it needs Dos Santos to rediscover his prior form. The talent is there for him to provide key secondary scoring support for Hernandez, but he hasn't shown it nearly enough recently.

Matchup to Watch: Eiji Kawashima vs. Jose de Jesus Corona

Since both sides have already been eliminated, there's nothing for them to lose. That should lead to a wide-open match with plenty of chances at both ends. It adds up to a busy contest for both goalkeepers in the group finale.

Kawashima has given up seven goals in two matches. While the porous Japan back line has definitely played a role in that lackluster total, the Japanese keeper hasn't been at his best, either. He needs a much stronger showing against Mexico.

He'll likely go up against Corona. The veteran has played a key role in helping Mexico stay afloat in qualifying with a run of clean sheets but gave up two goals in each Confederations Cup match so far. He remains the team's best option in goal, though.

Prediction

Japan 1, Mexico 1