Our footy scribe takes an in-depth look at the remaining 2017 Confederations Cup group games.
The final group games will get underway on Saturday with all four semi-final places still up for grabs. The only team without a chance of qualifying for the next round is New Zealand, who have suffered consecutive defeats.
Most of the ties seem to be cut and dry but none of the teams will take these clashes lightly. An entertaining weekend of Confederation Cup football is on the cards. Let’s find out what’s worth backing!
Saturday 24 June
Group A
New Zealand 20/1 | Draw 7/1 | Portugal 1/8
The All Whites opened the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Russia before going down 2-1 against Mexico in the second round of clashes. Chris Wood has scored the New Zealanders only goal in the tournament and he will be looking to get on the scoresheet once more. The All Whites might be down and out but they definitely won’t roll over for the Portuguese.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. are placed second in group A behind Mexico on goal difference. Portugal played to an entertaining 2-2 draw against the group leaders in the first round of matches before earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Russia. It’s all about claiming pole position for the Portuguese, so you can expect them to attack New Zealand the onset. Portugal are solid defensively and have more than enough quality to get the goals. Get on the Away To Win To Nil market at 11/20.
Mexico 27/20 | Draw 9/4 | Russia 19/10
Out of all the Confed clashes, this weekend; the Mexico versus Russia matchup excites me the most. You have one team desperate to maintain their position at the summit of Group A and you get the host nation eager to upset the applecart and sneak into the semi-finals.
Mexico have played without fear in both their matches while producing incredible football. Russia on the other hand kicked off the tournament in style with a 2-0 win over New Zealand but lacked quality and composure against Portugal, falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat. This one should go down to the wire and I’m expecting both teams to find the back of the net. Both Teams To Score (Yes) is tipped at 15/20.
Sunday 25 June
Group B
Chile 7/20 | Draw 39/10 | Australia 13/2
Personally, I’m backing Chile to win this tournament. I expected them to get the better of an understrength Germany last time out but they failed to deliver, however, I doubt they will make the same mistake against Australia.
The Socceroos have played well as a team and with the quality they have at their disposal, it’s impressive that they’re still in with a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. Australia did well to earn a 1-1 against Cameroon last time out but Chile are a different beast on a whole. Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez have combined well for La Roja and the duo will look to put the Socceroos to bed.
Chile need just a point to progress to the next round but all three if they are to stand a chance of topping the group. On the other hand, this is a must win game for the Australians. Nonetheless, I like the look of the Chilean team and I’m backing them on the (-1) Handicap at 19/20.
Germany 4/10 | Draw 36/10 | Cameroon 6/1
Germany haven’t looked their best but it goes to show how good they are. Die Mannschaft opened their campaign with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Australia before claiming a share of the spoils against Chile.
Cameroon lost 2-0 to Chile in their opening match before played to a 1-1 draw against Australia last time out. The Indomitable Lions have looked nowhere near their best and will need to dig deep if they are to claim a smash and grab victory over Die Mannschaft. I just don’t see that happening – get on the Halftime/Fulltime Germany win at 19/20.
QUAD TIPPED AT 93/10
Portugal – Away To Win To Nil (11/20)
Mexico v Russia – BTTS (15/20)
Chile – (-1) Handicap (19/20)
Germany – Halftime/Fulltime (19/20)
Written by Aaron Crowie for @Hollywoodbets
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