South Africa v Mexico: Betting Preview & Tips

South Africa v Mexico

Live on ITV. Kick off 3pm

If this game was anything other than the World Cup qualifier on South African soil the odds on the outcome would be very, very different. The bookies may well have Mexico as favourites but there’s a serious gulf in class that isn’t reflected in their odds of 17/10 (William Hill) and I think they should be snapped up.

The weight of history weighs heavy on the South Africans, after all, no host nation has failed to navigate the group stages. But then, seldom has the host nation been as poor as Bafana Bafana. They’re currently ranked 83rd in the world, making them the 2nd worst team in the tournament by FIFA’s reckoning and in this opener they’re up against a team that’s 66 places higher than them. Obviously they’ll have home support to give them a boost but I cn’t see it being enough to justify them being just 15/8 (SkyBet) to beat a Mexico side that has impressed in their warm-up matches.

In those matches Mexico decided to take on some of the best in the world. They came off second best to England and Holland but will have taken great confidence from a 2-1 win over defending champions, Italy. It’s also worth noting that they’ve qualified from the group stages on all four of their last World Cup appearances.

17/10 (William Hill) looks too good to pass up and can get the World Cup off to a flying start for us punters. If you’d rather play it a bit safer then why not back Mexico in the Asian Handicap with (0) of a start at 19/20 with Ladbrokes. That does of course mean that should it finish all-square you’ll get your money back.

Best Bet:

• Mexico to win 17/10 (William Hill)

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