Brazil-Mexico matchpack: Hulk a doubt for Selecao

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 No Comments

Some contentious refereeing decisions contributed to their 3-1 victory over Croatia, and they will be expected to continue their winning start when they face Mexico in Fortaleza on Tuesday.
However, Mexicans will not be overawed, having won big matches against Brazil before, beating them 4-3 in the final of the Confederations Cup in 1999 and more recently in the Olympic final in London.
Although that game was not a full international, the match featured several players expected to line up in Fortaleza including Neymar, Oscar and Thiago Silva for Brazil, and Oribe Peralta, the striker whose brace gave Mexico a 2-1 victory.
It gives Brazil pause for thought as they seek their 11th consecutive win.
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Brazil’s main concern surrounds the fitness of forward Hulk, after the Zenit forward limped away after scoring in a game between ranks to receive further treatment. Hulk may not be risked, although the man himself has said he will be fit to take part.
The hot favourite to replace him is Chelsea star Ramires, who already did well as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Croatia on Friday. Another alternative is Bernard, who replaced Hulk during the closing stages of the same game.

Mexico have no injury concerns after their 1-0 win over Cameroon at a rainy Arena das Dunas in Natal, with goalscorer Oribe Peralta likely to continue up front alongside Giovani dos Santos.