South Africa vs. Mexico 7/28/21 Olympics 2021 Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

South Africa and Mexico are facing off at Sapporo Dome in round 3 of Group A in the Olympics 2021 soccer tournament. South Africa has had a few good moments so far in this tournament, but they are without a win, and they are in the last place in this group. Mexico was one of the favorites to win this tournament, but they lost their second game, and they need a win to advance.

South Africa has lost both of their games, and while they were defending well in the first round, their defense was terrible in the second round, especially in the second half. In that second game, South Africa was playing against France, and they have had 47% of ball possession, 8 shots on goal, 5 corner kicks, and 84% of the correct passes. South Africa has missed a penalty kick in the 41^st minute, but they got ahead in the 53^rd minute. South Africa was winning 3 times in this game, but France got back every time, and they even turned around this game completely. South Africa has lost this match 4-3. Kodisang, Makgopa, and Mokoena have each scored 1 goal so far in this tournament. South Africa has shown some good things in this tournament, but it is over for them whether they win or lose in this game.

Mexico has had a fantastic first match against France which they won 4-1, but they were sloppy against Japan in their second game. Mexico was the better team with 62% of ball possession, 4 shots on goal, 4 corner kicks, 0 big chances created, and a solid 82% of the correct passes. After losing 2-0 at halftime, Mexico was able to score a goal in the second half, but it wasn’t enough for a positive outcome. Mexico has lost this game 2-1. Mexico has scored 5 goals so far in this tournament, and all 5 were scored by a different player. After conceding a red card, Vasquez will miss this game. With 3 points and a better goal difference than France, Mexico is in 2^nd place, which is the spot that will take them to the knockouts, but they need a win here. If Mexico losses this match, and Japan and France tie, or if France gets a win, Mexico will be going home.

South Africa is going home, there is no question about that, which is why I think Mexico will win this game. Mexico is the better team here, and what is more important is they need a win here, and I think they will get it. I’m taking Mexico.