Our writer previews the enticing 2017 Confederations Cup clash between Cameroon and Chile.
Group B in the FIFA Confederations Cup kicks off with a clash between AFCON champions, Cameroon, and Copa America winners, Chile. This promises to be a cracking encounter with the South Americans being slight favourites.
2017 Confederations Cup | Group B | Sunday 18 June | Otkrytiye Arena | 20:00
To Win (90 Mins)
Cameroon 9/2 | Draw 28/10 | Chile 6/10
Cameroon
Cameroon have been superb in recent months, claiming their fifth AFCON title in February and will be out to defend their championship in their homeland as they host the 2019 edition of the tournament.
This will be a tough test for Hugo Broos’ side. The Indomitable Lions were solid defensively in this year’s AFCON, but they’ll need to up their game to stand a chance against the likes of Alexis Sanchez and co.
Broos will need a stellar performance from Andre Onana. The young Ajax goalkeeper endured a successful campaign with the Dutch giants but were unlucky to get knocked out in the final of the UEFA Europa League.
Further forward, Vincent Aboubakar will lead the line as Cameroon look for their second major trophy in a year. The Besiktas frontman comes into this clash in decent form, having scored the winner in the Indomitable Lions’ 1-0 win over Morocco last weekend.
Chile
Chile, who have been Copa America champions for the past two years, will look to take their glorious form into the global stage. La Roja are among the tournament favourites and rightfully so.
From the back, Claudio Bravo will command the backline from his goal posts. The Manchester City shot-stopper has come under a bit of criticism but has shown signs of being a top quality keeper in his nation’s colours.
Marcelo Diaz will anchor the midfield, giving Arturo Vidal and Celta Vigo compatriot, Pablo Hernandez, more freedom to roam.
Chile’s star man, Alexis Sanchez, will need to put his full attention on the tournament, with loads of reports suggesting that he is on his way out of Arsenal. Sanchez is just one goal shy of being the outright top scorer for Chile – currently on 37, level with Marcelo Salas.
For La Roja, Sanchez is usually given a strike partner in the form of Eduardo Vargas. Together, the duo can cause all sorts of problems for the opposition defence. They’re both quick and have a very sharp eye for goal.
Prediction: Chile (6/10)
As much as Cameroon will be a tough test, Chile should do enough to see off the Indomitable Lions. At 6/10, the price seems just about right.
Written by Jesse Nagel @Hollywoodbets
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