Our footy scribe takes an in-depth look at the tasty looking Group A clash between Portugal and Mexico.
Portugal take on Mexico at the Kazan Arena on Sunday in what looks a cracking Group A encounter. The European champions are favourites to win the tie but Mexico will look to cause an upset.
Portugal v Mexico | Group A | Sunday 18 June | Kazan Arena | 17:00
To Win (90 Mins)
Portugal 21/20 | Draw 22/10 | Mexico 26/10
Portugal
Portugal is ranked eighth in the FIFA world rankings and is second favourites to win the Confederations Cup at 5/2. Since beating France in the Euro 2016 final to win their first major tournament, the Seleccao have won seven of their nine matches, scoring 33 goals.
The Portuguese lost 2-0 away to Switzerland in a World Cup Qualifier in September, before losing 3-2 in a friendly against Sweden on home soil three months ago. However, the European champions brushed aside Cyprus 4-0 (friendly) and Latvia 3-0 (WCQ) in their last two matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the man to watch in Fernando Santos’ team for his ability to win matches single-handedly, but the talents of Bernardo Silva and Andre Silva are sure to catch the eye. Silva was influential in Monaco’s title-winning season which is why Pep Guardiola was so desperate to sign him for Manchester City.
Andre, who is on the verge of joining AC Milan, was prolific for Porto this season, scoring 16 times in 32 outings in the league, plus another four in eight in the Champions League.
Mexico
Mexico qualified for the Confederations Cup by winning the CONCACAF Cup in 2015. Juan Carlos Osorio’s side have lost just once in their last 13 matches, winning nine times.
El Tri are unbeaten in three matches, winning twice. Following back-to-back wins against Republic of Ireland and Honduras, Mexico earned a 1-1 draw against the United States coming into this game.
Veteran defender Rafa Marquez has been selected in the squad but he could struggle to keep up with Ronaldo and co. Mexico will need Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela to cause problems for Portugal, while creating goalscoring opportunities for Javier Hernandez and Hirving Lozano, a Manchester City target.
Verdict: Portugal (21/20)
Portugal have won their two meetings against Mexico, winning 1-0 in a friendly in 2014 and 2-1 in the 2006 World Cup. Back the European champions to win this clash.
Written by Chadley Nagel @Hollywoodbets
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