Hulk Brazil
An injury could keep Hulk off the field against Mexico. Reuters

Brazil and Mexico can all but guarantee themselves a spot in the Round of 16 with a victory in Tuesday’s 2014 World Cup Group A match.

The two nations are set to square off at 3 p.m. ET. Brazil won its opener against Croatia 3-1, while Mexico defeated Cameroon 1-0 in their first group-match contest.

Mexico will start the same lineup against Brazil as the one that helped them get their first victory. While coach Miguel Herrera knows Tuesday’s opponent will be much more difficult to beat than Cameroon, he likes the way his team is playing.

"The team's in good shape,” Herrera told reporters. “Fortunately all the lads who picked up knocks have recovered well. Physically and mentally they're 100 percent, so we're going to go with the same team."

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari might want to keep the same lineup, but he may not have a choice. Hulk is suffering from a thigh injury, and will likely be forced to sit out the match.

The betting favorites will be seeking revenge from the team that upset them at the 2012 London Olympics. Mexico knocked off Brazil 2-1 in the finals to claim the gold medal.

Players To Watch

Neymar: The striker scored two goals against Croatia, but he’ll have to be careful on Tuesday after picking up a yellow card in the contest. If he can remain aggressive, Neymar could have another big day against Mexico.

Giovani dos Santos: The forward was denied two goals against Cameroon for being offside, though replays showed that dos Santos should have been awarded both scores. In order for Mexico to pull off the upset, he might have to get on the board at least once.

Ramires: With Hulk expected to be sidelined, it appears the Chelsea attacking midfielder will be see more time, though Bernard could also fill the void. Ramires is due to step up after not playing against Croatia.

Brazil (Probable)

G: Julio Cesar

D: Danil Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcel

M: Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo, Ramires, Neymar, Oscar

F: Fred

Mexico (Probable)

G: Guillermo Ochoa

D: Francisco Rodriguez, Rafael Marquez, Hector Moreno

M: Paul Aguilar, Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado, Jose Juan Vazquez, Miguel Layun

F: Giovani Dos Santos Oribe Peralta

Betting Odds (Bovada.lv)

Brazil: -325

Mexico: +700

Draw: +500

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