Confederations Cup 2013: Japan's Keys to Upsetting Mexico

Both Japan and Mexico have nothing to play for but pride at this point. 

Each team has yet to register a point in the 2013 Confederations Cup, not to mention that each side will not be making the semifinals of the tournament this year.

Japan and Mexico have both lost to top Group A teams Brazil and Italy. Japan has lost by a combined four goals, while Mexico has lost by a combined three tallies.

Japan—the world No. 32, according to FIFA—is the underdog headed into the matchup in Belo Horizonte. World No. 17 (and sliding) Mexico will try to finally come away with a win after a disappointing tournament thus far.

Here is what Japan must do to upset Mexico on Saturday.

Defense

While Mexico is the favorite, it wouldn't be a surprise if Japan won this match. Mexico, despite boasting Javier Hernandez, has been highly disappointing on offense, posting just one goal in two Confederations Cup matches (including a shutout against Brazil on Wednesday).

Japan ended up allowing four goals against Italy in a thriller on Wednesday. That was after allowing three goals against Brazil to start off the tournament.

Japan's offense came to play against Italy—with Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki each scoring—but the Japanese also need to play defense. While the side has obviously been outclassed by Brazil and Italy, it has an opportunity against a reeling Mexican offense to emerge victorious.

Score Early

Japan put a whole lot of pressure on Italy on Wednesday, with two goals in the first 35 minutes. While Italy ultimately came back to win, it will be much tougher for Mexico to rebound if the ailing side finds itself in a quick hole.

Japan and Mexico each have a shot of winning on Saturday—the team that strikes first could end up winning the match. You are talking about each side's confidence at this point—a quick strike from, say, Chicharito, could boost the Mexicans forward against Japan.

Fill the Void Left by Captain Makoto Hasebe

Japan captain Makoto Hasebe has been suspended after receiving two yellow cards.

That means Japan must decide how to divvy up the minutes among Hajime Hosogai, Kengo Nakamura and Hideto Takahashi. Hosogai is most likely to receive the majority of playing time in the absence of Hasebe.

After a noteworthy effort against Italy, it's a bit disappointing that Japan has to go into its clash against Mexico without its skipper. 

But the Japanese must prove the effort against the Italians was not a fluke. That means multiple players stepping up on Saturday.