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West Ham’s Chicharito set to start for Mexico in Last 16 crunch game vs Brazil

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Image for West Ham’s Chicharito set to start for Mexico in Last 16 crunch game vs Brazil

El Tri are gearing up for their biggest test yet, a round of 16 clash with Brazil. Javier Hernandez is expected to lead the line against the Canarinha at the Cosmos Arena in Samara on Monday.

The West Ham United forward will be hoping to add to the goal he scored against the South Koreans which was his 50th goal for his country.

Mexico too will be looking to their diminutive talisman for a performance. While Mexico have reached the round of 16 in the last 7 tournaments – stretching back to 1994 – they have not progressed further since 1986, where they were the host nation.

This counter attacking Mexico side will be hoping to break that duck, but tests don’t come much harder than facing Brazil.

The Brazil vs Mexico betting odds have the South American side as 4/9 on favourites for the last 16 tie.

Mexico are a pacey outfit and their 1-0 victory over World Cup holders Germany showed the World not to underestimate them.

Chicharito showed the workhorse side of his game in that victory and made surging runs forward at any given opportunity. Hernandez turned provider in that game too, slipping in Hirving Lozano to score after playing a perfect one-two with Andres Guardado.

After an impressive start and two victories Mexico came undone in their final group match against the Swedes. The defensive frailty they showed in conceding three second half goals will have the Brazilian front three of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Coutinho licking their lips.

The other concern for Mexico is Hernandez. After either scoring or assisting in his first two games, Chica was limited to just 30 touches against Sweden, the fewest by a Mexico player.

Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio will be praying that the ex-Manchester United forward will rediscover his form in time. If Osorio’s side play as well as they did against the Germans, then they are in with a chance.

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