Nothing quiet like a Central American/South American carve up, especially at a World Cup, and even at odds on the draw needs to be backed when these two meet in Rustenburg.
With four points apiece after two matches, Uruguay and Mexico clash on Tuesday lunchtime knowing that a draw will send both into the last 16 and surely that will be the outcome in what is likely to be a fairly uneventful match.
That result would see Uruguay advance as Group A winners, thanks to a better goal difference, courtesy of their 3-0 triumph over South Africa, and it will also probably send Mexico to a last 16 clash with Argentina.
The concern is that Mexico chance their arm in a bid to win the section at the expense of their opponents but with both France and South Africa looking to take advantage of any slip-ups I’m not convinced they’ll have the bottle to go for it.
These two have combined to produce easily the best football we have seen in Group A, France and Bafana Bafana have looked limited as attacking forces, and have both earned the right to contest this final match in whatever fashion they wish.
I’m in no doubt it will result in a stalemate and any purposeful attacking threat is highly unlikely to feature that often.
There is no shortage of forward talent on display, Diego Forlan was magnificent in his side’s comfortable triumph over the hosts, but they are far from shabby at the back either and only Siphiwe Tshabalala’s thunderbolt in the tournament curtain-raiser has found it’s way past either defence.
Uruguay, who will certainly fancy their chances against what is likely to be South Korea in the knockout phase, should now be considered genuine dark horses for glory and Mexico, too, should not be underestimated.
Javier Aguirre’s men outclassed France on Thursday evening, the 2-0 score line probably flattered Les Bleus, and will be dangerous opponents should, as expected, they advance.
2pts Back Draw (Uruguay vs. Mexico) @ 1.83 (Bodog)