Eight teams from around the globe are in Russia for the Confederations Cup!
We’ll preview the whole tournament, Confederations Cup – 18th & 19th June match previews below
PORTUGAL V MEXICO
Reigning European champions Portugal are a deserved favourite in their Confederations Cup opener against Mexico. They rode their luck in the Euros but triumphed after conceding just one goal in the knockout phase.
Since then, they have improved their attacking play and are the more complete team, as their 5-1 win/loss and 22-3 for/against record in six competitive matches since that tournament attests. However, just three of those goals have come against sides ranked in the top 100 in the world (3-0 win over Hungary at home).
Cristiano Ronaldo will always be the key man in any side he plays in and the addition of Andre Silva to the forward line should give him more freedom in attack. He is, quite obviously, the player to watch.
Mexico is the obvious ‘smokey’ in the tournament but their form references in recent months aren’t convincing. They were exposed in a 2-1 home friendly loss recently to Croatia and have been at times unconvincing winners of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers.
That said, this is a match they have been focussed on for some time and their focus will squarely be on nullifying the impact of Ronaldo and co. A point for them would be very valuable ahead of winnable fixtures against Russia and New Zealand.
In anticipation of a tight clash, the Draw at 3.44 and ‘Under 2 and 2.5 goals’ at 1.952, both at Pinnacle, look attractive betting options for a small stake.
Bet: Draw – 1 unit @ 3.44 (Pinnacle)
Bet: Under 2 and 2.5 goals – 1 unit @ 1.952 (Pinnacle)
CAMEROON V CHILE
Cameroon enters the tournament on the back foot after a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Colombia. Their form has been patchy (two wins, two losses) since winning the African Cup of Nations and they look outclassed in this.
Only two players in the squad have scored more than two goals at international level but the squad’s leading scorer, Vincent Aboubakar, will be motivated to prove his wares on the international stage with a long list of clubs battling for his services.
Copa America champions Chile look to have a significant class edge over their opponents in this match and the $1.57 looks about right. It would be hard to justify charging into the odds-on quote for a side whose main attacking weapon, Alexis Sanchez, will likely be missing after falling ill.
Chile was defeated 3-2 by Romania last week and could only manage a 1-1 draw with Russia before that. But with dominant midfielder Arturo Vidal headlining a number of key ‘ins’ for the South Americans, a winning start to their campaign appears probable.
While Cameroon’s hopes of progressing out of Group B appear slim, Chile is a strong tournament favourite and this game is a must-win. From a betting perspective, we will elect to watch the match only and use it as a reference point for Chile’s hopes in their remaining fixtures.
AUSTRALIA V GERMANY
There is much public angst and unrest in Australia over the Socceroos’ chances in the Confederations Cup, but the reality is that advancing out of Group B would be a major achievement. An indifferent World Cup qualifying campaign convinced Ange Postecoglou to change formation to a ‘back three’, which was wheeled out in an unconvincing 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia.
A 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Brazil followed with much of the ‘A team’ rested with one eye on this tournament in Russia. The loss of captain Mile Jedinak to injury further adds to Australia’s woes as they prepare to tackle the world champions.
But this fixture will not be a cakewalk for Germany. A host of world-class talent is missing from a squad that has the feel of an Olympic team, with one eye on next year’s World Cup. Julian Draxler, at 23 years old, is the most capped player in the squad (30 caps).
Despite their obvious class edge, questions must be asked over just how far the hierarchy’s relaxed attitude to the tournament has trickled down into the young squad. Little can be learned from their 7-0 drubbing of lowly San Marino, but the 1-1 draw with Denmark prior may carry more clues.
What Australia lacks in pure ability in comparison to the Germans they will make up for in intensity and tempo. It would be no shock to see them catch the Germans on the hop – but a victory at 9.00 (Bet 365) seems unlikely.
On the flip side, Germany (1.41) is too short. The Draw at 5.00 (Bet 365) is well worth a spec in a contest that carries big implications for this group.