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The Insomniac – Mexico to receive their sternest test yet

| 18.06.2011

Though staying in North America, for the first time ever, our column for bed-dodging punters is focussing on good old association football, as the CONCACAF Gold Cup reaches the quarter-final stage.

And in perhaps his most daring move yet, The Insomniac is taking on the mighty Mexico, undoubtedly the star performers in the group phase of the competition, by backing their opponents Guatemala +2.5 goals on the Asian Handicap at 57/50.

The nature of that bet requires Mexico not to triumph by a margin of three goals or more, as they have done in each of their fixtures so far despite losing five players mid-tournament because of failed drug tests, for a payout.

The holders won their three Group A games by a ridiculous 14-1 aggregate score, netting at least four times in every encounter, but are unlikely to maintain such an absurd strike rate against a more resilient Guatemala side at 1am.

While they were forced to settle for third in Group B, Guatemala were relatively impressive, keeping clean sheets in their first two outings, with their defence only breached twice in the second half of their second match against Jamaica.

And despite a lack of household names, they boast firepower. Their main threat is forward Carlos Ruiz, who averages almost a goal every two appearances for his nation and has been fairly prolific in the MLS for the likes of LA Galaxy.

Further reason to believe that the 1996 semi-finalists can end Mexico’s run four straight wins by three goals or more is the fact they are unbeaten in their last two clashes with them, shutting them out in their last meeting.

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Author

John Klee