The summer of 2018 will see the FIFA World Cup kick-off in Russia, however, this summer isn’t devoid of top international soccer. The Confederations Cup is the dress rehearsal for next year’s big event as eight teams have converged on Russia to play matches to break in the country’s new or re-vamped soccer stadiums.
Saturday and Sunday will see the two groups of four teams play their third and final games in the group stage, as each team competes for a spot in the knockout round.
Group A
Group A is currently topped by North American powerhouse Mexico and last summer’s European Championship winner Portugal. The Mexicans and Portuguese have already met in the competition, and the match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The two followed up their draw performance with decisive victories. Mexico defeated New Zealand 2-1, and Portugal downed hosts Russia 1-0 thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The two teams lead the group with four points apiece, and should move on into the next round; as long as Russia don’t get the best of Mexico in the final group game. A draw or win will see Mexico into the knockout stage as the North Americans look to win the Confederations Cup ahead of next summer’s tournament.
Portugal also need a win or draw to progress to the next round, and with Ronaldo playing as well as he is, it should be an almost certainty that it occurs.
Saturday’s first fixture will see Mexico and Russia clash. Mexico is +125 in moneyline odds, while Russia is +205 and a draw is +255. In the late game, Portugal is favored at –1400 with underdog New Zealand coming in at +2500.
Prediction: Mexico and Russia may be hard to pick, but Portugal should rollover New Zealand without any problem.
Group B
Germany and Chile are the pacesetters in Group B, and the two powerhouses of international soccer sit atop the table. As of writing, Cameroon and Australia are bringing up the rear, and neither team has gotten a win.
Germany will battle Cameroon in the early game on Sunday, and the reigning World Cup champions should push the African team to one side on its way to the next round. Chile should have little trouble in its match with Australia, and the South Americans could find themselves playing for a chance in the Confederations Cup final.
Chile is strong favorite on Sunday when the team take on Australia. The moneyline has Chile at –255, while Australia is +650. Like the Chileans, Germany is strong favorites to win against Cameroon. The European side is –235 to win. Cameroon is a longshot at +600, and should bow out of the tournament on Sunday.
Prediction: Chile has too strong of players for the Aussies, so expect the South American team to reach the knockout round with safe passage. Germany too are far too strong for the Cameroonians. However, the team could rotate its starting XI, and Cameroon could pick up a cheeky draw at odds of +370.
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