Confederations Cup Final to End in Stalemate

The FIFA Confederations Cup is drawing to a close in Russia, and it’s been a profitable tournament if you’ve been following the tipsters here at Sports Betting Online. We correctly predicted that Chile and Portugal would  play out a draw in Wednesday’s semi final, and that Germany would get the better of Mexico in Thursday’s semi final.

Ronaldo’s Portugal and Sanchez’ Chile battled to a 0-0 draw over 90 minutes and extra time, before a penalty shoot out settled what turned out to be a dull encounter. Manchester City’s Claudio Bravo proved to be the match-winner, saving three penalties from Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani, while Chile hit the target in each of theirs to win the shoot out 3-0. Cristiano Ronaldo was earmarked for the fourth or fifth Portuguese penalty, and didn’t get to kick the ball from 12 yards in anger as his teammates failed to find the net. It fell to Sanchez to hit the decisive spot kick and take his side through to the final.

Germany’s progress has been all the more impressive due to the absences of first-team players from their squad for this summer tournament. Rather than dwell on those missing, we should concentrate on the next generation of quality German players coming through the ranks who have lit up this competition. Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka scored twice in the opening 8 minutes to put the result out of Mexico’s reach, before promising RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner continued to enhance his reputation with another goal for his country early in the second half. A very late goal for either side made little difference, as Germany ran out comfortable 4-1 winners to take their place in Sunday’s St Petersburg final.

Portugal and Mexico will play earlier on Sunday as they fulfil FIFA’s convention for a third-placed play off.

Chile v Germany

First up it’s the final though, and the draw looks a very decent bet at 3.42Bet €100 to win €342121/50Bet £100 to win £342+242Bet $100 to win $3422.42Bet HK$100 to win HK$3422.42Bet Rp100 to win Rp342-0.4132Bet RM100 to win RM342  with Marathonbet.

These two met in the group stage of this mini-tournament, playing out a 1-1 draw on the 22nd of June. It was Chile’s third draw from four games at the Confederations Cup after the same scoreline against Australia in their final group match, then that 0-0 draw with Portugal in the semi final. Overall it’s their fourth stalemate in the last six games, proving that while they are hard to beat, they always have the quality of Vidal and Sanchez et al to keep them competitive.

Germany have been little short of superb during this competition, surprising even the tipsters here with their fluent performance. It really does bode well for the future of German football, and they will surely be strong favourites to retain the World Cup in Russia next summer. They beat Australia 3-2 in the group stage, and Cameroon 3-1, topping group B with seven points. The way they took apart a decent Mexico side in Thursday’s semi final really stood out because the Mexicans had brought a strong squad and are certainly no pushovers.

That description applies even more so to Chile, who have won the last two editions of the Copa America. One suspects this game will be very competitive, in the ilk of the Portugal-Chile semi final, and the draw is the value option.

Portugal v Mexico

Portugal were our tip to land the trophy prior to the competition, but they were undone by penalties at a crucial stage. Ronaldo and co. can be given the chance to make amends in Sunday’s third-placed match at a generous 2.30Bet €100 to win €23013/10Bet £100 to win £230+130Bet $100 to win $2301.30Bet HK$100 to win HK$2301.30Bet Rp100 to win Rp230-0.7692Bet RM100 to win RM230  with Unibet.

FIFA insists on playing these matches to give their tournaments a ‘complete’ feel, but it’s rare that players want to play in them after losing a semi final and a shot at the trophy. In that respect it’s worth approaching your bets with caution, but on balance Portugal look to have the better side.

It’s also worth noting that they haven’t lost a game in the competition yet, and they would want to keep up that record. The two sides met during the group stage, a game that ended in a 2-2 draw, and both beat the other teams in group A, Russia and New Zealand comfortably. Quaresma and Chicarito were on target in the first half in that draw, before Cedric looked to have snatched it for Portugal in the 86th minute. Moreno’s injury-time equaliser salvaged a point for Mexico, and kept the scores level.

Both sides have a good recent record, but Mexico’s limitations were exposed against Germany in cruel fashion the other night. If Ronaldo plays any part, he will be head and shoulders above the rest of the players on the field, and has enough quality to win the game for his country.

Tips Summary

Chile and Germany to Draw
Sunday 2nd July, 19:00 GMT
Odds: 3.42Bet €100 to win €342121/50Bet £100 to win £342+242Bet $100 to win $3422.42Bet HK$100 to win HK$3422.42Bet Rp100 to win Rp342-0.4132Bet RM100 to win RM342

Portugal to beat Mexico
Sunday 2nd July, 13:00 GMT
Odds: 2.30Bet €100 to win €23013/10Bet £100 to win £230+130Bet $100 to win $2301.30Bet HK$100 to win HK$2301.30Bet Rp100 to win Rp230-0.7692Bet RM100 to win RM230