Mexico U23 will face Gabon U23 in the 2012 London Olympic Games men’s football Group B branch at the City of Coventry Stadium on Sunday, July 29.Catch real time updates on your favorite London Olympic Games 2012 Match.

Mexico Preview

Mexico has long been considered as one of the world’s most prideful soccer nations, but they have never won an Olympic medal – ever. Their best finish in history was barely catching fourth place in 1968.

Mexico, already a strong team, was supposed to be stronger. Star striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez was barred from playing by his club, Manchester United, while forward Carlos Vela and midfielder Jonathan dos Santos both declined invitations to play, earning the ire of the Mexican Football Federation. If goal-scoring proves to be a problem for Mexico, the absences of Hernandez and Vela will be proven as the main factor.

As group favorites in a relatively weak Olympic field, Mexico is in the best-ever position to capture that elusive medal in London.

Gabon Preview

Gabon won the African Olympic qualifying tournament, in a dramatic struggle of sorts, rallying from deficits against South Africa and the Ivory Coast in the group stage to stay alive, surprising Senegal in the semifinals with an extra time goal in the 119th minute and again rallying from a goal down in the final against Morocco to win the African crown.

Gabon will not be expected to advance in its Olympic debut, but it’s safe to say that the Gabonese will not be intimidated by early deficits against more favored teams.

Mexico U23 vs Gabon U23 Predictions: Mexico U23 wins 2-1

Mexico is the obvious favorite, but Gabon has been proven as resilient prey. Mexico can win this as easy as it can get, though in the off-chance Gabon might surprise everyone. However, it’s just a surprise – probabilities aren’t based on unexpected outcomes.

Mexico vs Gabon Betting Odds and Tips:

Mexico 1.79 - 1.55 - 64.15%
Draw 3.35 - 1.29 - 77.01%
Gabon 4.50 - 1.22 - 81.81%

Mexico vs Gabon Asian Handicap Betting Odds and Tips:

Mexico -0.50 1.80 - 55.55%
Gabon +0.50 2.13 - 46.94%

Source: [sbobet]