In spite of some startling revelations about steroids,
Mexico has started off the tournament emphatically. As a result, Costa Rica
will have its hands full as the soccer betting underdogs this weekend.
Easily the two best squads in the group, Mexico and Costa
Rica will battle it out at Soldier Field (the home of the Chicago Bears) on Sunday.
The Mexicans were one of the clear favorites to take home
the first-place prize in this year's edition of the Gold Cup and have already
shown us why.
They have won both of their opening group games 5-0, over El
Salvador and then over Cuba on Thursday night. That comfortable win over the
Cubans was made possible due to braces from both Javier Hernandez and Giovani
Dos Santos. Aldo De Nigris added a goal as a substitute.
However, the stunning news that five of Mexico's players had
tested positive for a banned substance still lingers as the squad continues its
fight for a title. Guillermo Ochoa, Edgar Duenas, Francisco Rodriguez,
Christian Bermudez and Antonio Naelson were all suspended in light of the news
and missed Thursday's win against Cuba.
Unfortunately for the other competitors, Mexico has the
quality to overcome those absences as Costa Rica will soon find out.
A solid start to their tournament will give the underdogs
some peace of mind, but they know they haven't faced a team as talented as the
Mexicans are. In Costa Rica's first two fixtures, the side beat Cuba 5-0 and
then went on to draw El Salvador 1-1.
Mexico to remain unbeaten in Gold Cup group
Although soccer odds had not been posted at time of writing it is a certainty that Mexico will be the favorites, the question is by how
much and will there be value?
I can tell you though that you need to keep an eye out for
Javier Hernandez, better known as Chicharito, who has emerged as one of the
world's brightest young talents. He proved to be a massive steal for Sir Alex
Ferguson in Manchester United's successful 2010/11 campaign and has continued
his fine goal scoring form on the international platform.
In fact, it was Chicharito's performances in the 2010 World
Cup that really propelled him into the global spotlight. He scored in the 2-0
win over France and also found the net in his country's 3-1 defeat to
Argentina.
Taking his lethal goal scoring ability into account, the
speedy striker will definitely be the one to watch this weekend.
Dos Santos is a very exciting player as well and should be
partnering Chicharito in the attack come Sunday. Despite failing to stamp out a
regular place at Tottenham, Dos Santos has undeniable ability and that pairing
up top will be immensely difficult for Costa Rica to contain.
Who should you look out for on the other side?
Alvaro Saborio, who plys his trade with MLS side Real Salt
Lake, is pretty dangerous, while FC Twente's Bryan Ruiz has been ever-present
for Costa Rica when healthy.
But let's be honest here. The Ticos may be unbeaten so far
in the group, but Mexico is in my opinion the strongest team in the entire
tournament.
It would be be a tremendous surprise if the Mexicans do not
win rather convincingly on Sunday, and I expect them to shake off the
suspensions to hand in another workmanlike effort to continue their undefeated
run. In terms of soccer betting, you'd be foolish to side against Mexico.
FREE Pick: Mexico 3 Costa Rica 0