Our football writer gives insight into the 2017 Confederations Cup final between Chile and Germany.
Germany and Chile lock horns for the 2017 Confederations Cup crown on Sunday evening. The two teams have produced some scintillating performances throughout the tournament and the ultimate game of the competition promises to be nothing short of incredible!
Chile’s fairy tale refuses to end after getting the better of Argentina in two consecutive Copa America finals to qualify for the Confederations Cup, as well as defeating the European champions in the semi-finals. On the other hand, Joachim Low’s youthful German side is firing on all cylinders. The latest of their victims being Mexico whom they hammered 4-1 last time out.
2017 Confederations Cup Final | Sunday 02 July | Zenit Arena | 20:00
To Win (90 Mins)
Chile 19/10 | Draw 22/10 | Germany 14/10
Chile
La Roja boasts big name superstars such as Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo, Bayern Munich’s Arturo Vidal and the Mexican-based Vargas. The team had never won any major tournament until this golden generation of players came into the picture. They have now ruled South America for the last two years and are on the cusp of intercontinental glory.
Chile’s road to the final has been an interesting one. They won only one of their three group stage games, beating African champions, Cameroon 2-0, before drawing 1-1 against both Australia and Sunday’s opponents, Germany.
Their sternest test so far has been against Portugal in the semi-finals where they managed to win on penalties. After a goalless draw, Claudio Bravo’s heroics came to the fore as he saved all three of Portugal’s penalties to help his team to a well-deserved and hard-fought victory.
The only cause of concern for me has been Claudio Bravo’s style of play. Every goalkeeper that has played under Pep Guardiola must possess short passing skills to ensure that the team plays out from the back. That has been a big problem for the Chilean defenders as they’re used to more direct football, where knocking the ball about in the vicinity of your goal is considered a great risk. Especially against a tactically astute German team, which knows how to press defenders that can cause them problems.
Germany
We were all surprised when big name players were not called up to the team but the youngsters have risen to the occasion. Joachim Low has been very fantastic in terms of phasing in new, young players. Before the tournament, very few fans knew who Timo Werner was, but we all do now.
Die Mannschaft come flying into the final after a convincing 4-1 demolition of Mexico. They won two of their group stage matches, beating Cameroon 3-1 and Australia 3-2. The only match they dropped points against was Sunday’s opponents, Chile, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
Germany are a tactically flexible side. They can always devise a gameplan, which suits a particular match. Having played against Chile in the group stages and coming back from a goal down to salvage a draw, they should have a trick up their sleeve.
Players like Joshua Kimmich, Julian Draxler, Emre Can, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen add the much-needed experience to the side. It’s difficult for any team in the world to beat this footballing nation.
Verdict: Germany Win (14/10)
Chile will be no pushovers and they know that this is a very rare chance for them to win such a major tournament. On the other hand, Die Mannschaft is a perfectly balanced team comprising of players from fantastic development structures over three different generations and I’m leaning towards Germany winning this one.
Written by Benedict Ngwenya for @Hollywoodbets
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