Daily Dynamo Selections – Mexico v Israel
This will be an interesting indication as to what Mexico can hope to achieve in the forthcoming World Cup, as they match up against an Israel side that looks as if it may be a reasonable match for the Americans at least on paper. Certainly Mexico are one of the outsiders for the tournament in Brazil, but the climatic conditions will be to their liking, and they can count on extremely passionate and expectant support.
Mexico's chances in the World Cup have been seriously damaged by the fact that their star striker Javier Hernandez has barely played for Manchester United this term. The Mexican side does have a formidable if slightly ageing defence, though, which will be built around Andrés Guardado; a centurion in cap terms at the age of just 27. One would have to say that this is a pretty moderate side, albeit one that will start as strong favourites against Israel.
Israel aren't exactly a powerhouse of world football, but they now boast several players with European club experience. Yossi Benayoun is the standout of these, a truly top class player, but Israel are able to field a team with strong players pretty much all over the field, and thus it's possible to get odds of 1/2 on Mexico to win this game.
I would certainly take those odds, as Mexico's superior experience and pedigree should tell. But with players perhaps going through the motions and some of Mexico's bigger names possibly rested, this could be a closer match than many are expecting.
Selections: Safe Bet – Mexico to win (1/2 with Bet365), Value Bet – Mexico to win by 1 goal (12/5 with Bet365)
