Japan U23 vs Mexico U23 Predictions

• Mexico are averaging three goals-per-game at the Olympics.
• Japan haven’t scored since the group stages.
• Mexico held out against Brazil in the last four but were beaten on penalties.

Mexico can end Japan’s medal hopes

Host nation Japan meet Mexico in the Bronze medal match at the Saitama Stadium on Friday.

Both teams came agonisingly close to reaching the final but Japan were beaten 1-0 in extra time by Spain and Mexico were undone by Brazil, losing out after a penalty shoot-out.

These two teams met in the group stages and the young Blue Samurai picked up a 2-1 victory, but we feel Mexico may just edge this Bronze medal meeting.

El Tri opened the tournament with a 4-1 thrashing of France and have also claimed a 3-0 win over South Africa and a 6-3 victory over South Korea.  The Central Americans may have drawn a blank against Brazil but there are clearly goals in this team, whereas Japan have struggled in attack since the group stages concluded.

The hosts haven’t scored in either of their knockout games so far as they needed penalties to see off New Zealand in the last eight, while Mexico have shown they are capable at the back after holding Brazil to a goalless draw in their semi-final.

We’re backing Mexico to win this match-up and a 2-0 win for El Tri appeals.  Japan haven’t conceded more than once in any of their games so far but with a medal on the line they may become more reckless if Mexico do take a lead, while Jaime Lozano’s men are averaging an impressive three goals-per-game so we feel they can score twice against Japan.