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The 2018 World Cup being held in Russia has been one filled with surprises that many wouldn't have seen coming.
The defending Champions Germany went home in the group stages, the 2014 World Cup runner-up Argentina got knocked out, Euro 2016 Champions Portugal has been eliminated and most recently the 2010 World Cup winner Spain saw their campaign come to an end after facing a defeat against the hosts Russia.
Could there be more of these unexpected outcomes? Well, why not?
Tournament favourites Brazil will be taking on Mexico in the pre-quarters on Monday and with the squad that the Canarinho have they are expected to see off El Tri. However, this World Cup doesn't have the habit of letting things go as expected.
Mexico caused upset to Germany and they could possibly do the same to their round-of-16 opponents on Monday. Here are three reasons why El Tri will end the World Cup dreams of Brazil.
#3 Counter attack threat
Defending champions Germany had a disastrous World Cup campaign as they bowed down in the group stages itself.
Their campaign started with an upset defeat against Mexico. The Mannschaft didn't have a reply to their opponent's only goal that happened to be the only one in the game and eventually resulted in the team being eliminated from the competition.
Mexico's Hirving Lozano became a national hero after he scored the winner for his team against the European side. However, what was more impressive was their build-up to the goal.
The CONCACAF team scored their winner after a counter attack that needs a better word than just perfect to describe. They won their ball in their own half, then a pass or two was enough to completely open up the Germany defence.
The same counter-attacking threat could be taken advantage of by Mexico when they take on Brazil on Monday. If they are able to work out something similar, there is no doubt that the El Tri will get through the Selecao defence as well.
#2 Recent success against Brazil
Brazil versus Mexico is always an important match for both the teams. Even a narrow victory is worth celebrating in this tie. A win will be even sweeter this term though as the stakes are high.
The Canarinho has always been the more successful side of the two, but recently Brazil has been struggling against Mexico when it comes to the matter of tournaments.
Since the turn of the 21st century, the two sides have met eight times in tournaments and Brazil has only won two of them.
Mexico came out victorious on five of those occasions and in the most recent encounter between the two that took place in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Selecao was held to a 0-0 draw by El Tri. Thanks to some brilliant goalkeeping from Guillermo Ochoa.
Although the stakes are way higher this time as a victory is needed to qualify to the quarters of the World Cup, Mexico could still be able to send their rivals home.
#1 Hirving Lozano will exploit Brazil's Achilles' heel
Mexico's winner against Germany was scored by this young man called Lozano. As much as the build-up to the goal was wonderful, the finish by the 22-year-old was equally good.
The PSV forward is one of the most exciting youngsters on display in this World Cup and he certainly hasn't disappointed.
Lozano made sure that he took his chance against the big Germans and also assisted one of Mexico's two goals against South Korea in their second group game.
The Mexican will be a real threat for Brazil on the left flank and could be punished if not taken proper care of. Brazil has one of the strongest squads this World Cup, however, there is one position that is proving to be their Achilles heel. And it is the right back spot.
After the South Americans weren't able to pick veteran Dani Alves for the competition due to an injury, they had to settle for Danilo and Fagner.
Although the two are good right-backs, neither of them have been able to make the position theirs so far. And to make things worst the former of the two is struggling with injuries.
While the rest of the Brazil team looks solid, this one position is weak and unfortunately for them, Lozano will be looking forward to taking full advantage of this on Monday.
Can Mexico upset Brazil? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!
