What an exciting first few games we’ve witnessed in Russia to kick off the tournament. Now, onto the next block of games. Check out our Confederations Cup Round 2 Betting Preview below!
Confederations Cup: First set of games preview
RUSSIA V PORTUGAL
Russia scored a comfortable 2-0 win over New Zealand in their tournament opener, but arguably we learned little about the hosts from that fixture. They had two shots cleared off the line and a number of other chances to put the game to bed before they did.
Portugal showed some attacking flair but the watertight defence that won them the Euro 2016 title was missing against Mexico, twice surrendering their advantage in the 2-2 draw. They will need to lift against the hosts.
It is difficult to line up the performances of both sides but both showed a propensity to score – and while Russia didn’t concede, Cristiano Ronaldo will provide a slightly more potent threat than Shane Smeltz! Over 2.5 goals at $2.25 with Sportsbet is an opportunity that can’t be missed.
Bet: Over 2.5 goals – 1 unit @ $2.25 (Sportsbet)
MEXICO V NEW ZEALAND
Mexico was not quite as sloppy at the back at Portugal but will be happy with a point against the European champions. Manager Juan Carlos Osorio will be delighted by his team’s hunger to twice overturn a deficit, including their last gasp leveller.
New Zealand was hardly embarrassed by Russia but similarly they were no match. Mexico should provide a much sterner test and CANCACAF nation’s quote in the $1.12 to $1.15 range tells you what you need to know.
The concern betting into this game is the potential for Mexico to rest some of their stars. What isn’t in doubt is New Zealand’s lack of potency in front of goal. Odds on bets aren’t often the most direct route to a pot of gold but Mexico to score over 2.5 goals seems a strong opportunity.
Bet: Mexico to win to nil – 1.5 units @ $1.87 (Ladbrokes)
CAMEROON V AUSTRALIA
Cameroon was lucky to escape with a 2-0 loss to Chile. Their defence appeared frail and the South Americans dominated every metric. They did have one goal of their own ruled out, but that was off a set piece and it was their only clear cut chance of the game.
Things won’t be quite as hard against Australia, which was equally as fortunate against Germany. The 3-2 score line does not reflect a match dominated by the World Champions. Australia’s back three was often left exposed and they will have their work cut out nullifying the speed and strength of Cameroon’s attack.
This match is a very difficult one to assess but both teams possess shaky defences. Cameroon has conceded eight goals in their past four matches, Australia nine in their past three. Over 2.5 goals is $2.02 at Pinnacle and well worth a bet.
Bet: Over 2.5 goals – 2 units @ $2.02 (Pinnacle)
GERMANY V CHILE
Undoubtedly the most interesting fixture in the second round sees the two strongest teams in the tournament duke it out for a ticket to the semi-finals.
Chile are deserved, albeit narrow, favourites for this fixture. They dominated their clash with Cameroon and with a slice of luck would have put the game away long before they did. They proved themselves to be a well-balanced outfit and did all they were expected to. Expect them to be hard to beat in any fixture they contest.
The inexperienced Germans showed their skill but a relative lack of big-match nous against Australia. They did what they had to – just – but won’t have it anywhere near as easy against the rampant Chileans. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno will also need to sharpen his game against Alexis Sanchez and co.
This writer believes the Chileans can assert their dominance on this tournament with a win over Germany, but isn’t willing to dive in at the $2.40 on offer. Similarly, goals are expected but over 2.5 @ $1.60 or thereabouts provides little incentive to bet. This is a sit back, watch and enjoy fixture. But of course, for those keen to bet in futures markets …
OUTRIGHT MARKETS
Chile was clearly the most impressive team from the opening round of fixtures. They have emerged victorious from their last two major international tournaments – the 2015 and 2016 Copa America – via gritty knockout performances, proving they have the nous to complement their flair. They are expected to prevail against Germany and if so, will be closer to $2.50 chances in tournament winner markets.
The tournament appears to possess three other chances for outright honours, but all raised legitimate questions in their tournament openers. Portugal’s defence is frail, Germany is inexperienced and Mexico remains perennially unpredictable. An acceptable quote of $3.25 remains available and is worth considering, with a view to potentially trading later.