Confederations Cup Betting Preview – Portugal Outright 17 June 201

Portugal to reign supreme in Russia

Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) © GEPA pictures

17th June 2017 Kickoff: 1600hrs – FIFA Confederations Cup Betting Preview – Portugal Outright Winners

The outright winners market for the 2017 Confederations Cup is different from what you would expect with Portugal listed as favourites with many books. Although the European Champions and very capable, the market differs markedly with next year’s World Cup which Germany are outright favourites for and up to 23 points shorter than Portugal. The main reason behind that, of course, is the nature of the squad that Germany have announced for the upcoming tournament. Joachim Low has not called up the vast majority of his key players including the likes of Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller –along with a host of others. The logic behind the decision is sound and Low is well aware of the potential benefit a full close season rest may have for his experienced stars as they bid to retain the World Cup. Many will be playing right up until the final weeks of May in domestic and European competition, and without this rest may not be seen at their best. It also gives some much needed competitive experience to emerging stars who have impressed at junior level as well as with their clubs.

Portugal have taken a completely different approach and opted to name a virtually full strength squad with a plethora of experience. Fernando Santos is aiming to build on their success of last season’s European triumph and give his country the best chance of following up with a win at the Confederations Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo is fresh from another marvellous season at club level as he led Real Madrid to a historic double of the Champions League and La Liga. Both Andre and Bernardo Silva are fresh from making big money moves to Milan and Man City respectively and have definitely added more creativity and attacking threat which was lacking in France. It’s much the same defensively as old stalwarts like Pepe and Jose Fonte will be called upon to provide another resolute foundation which was centre to their success 12 months ago.

Best of the Rest

Chile – fresh from a Copa America double – are also fancied to go close in this one and the short format is likely to suit a squad who have so much recent experience of tournament football. It’s been a real strength of the Chileans that this squad has evolved and progressed together over the last four years, so much so that a change in management has not altered their course. Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal will obviously have to perform well if they are to be successful again but it has been their defensive capabilities that has seen them through in their Copa America successes, keeping clean sheets (stopping Messi and Co) in both finals against Argentina.

Mexico may not have the same star names as some of their counterparts whom they’ll come up and that is reflected in their price. However, they always perform well on a global stage and have been a touch unlucky in the World Cup knockout stages down the years. They will be hoping to avenge the embarrassing 7-0 loss to Chile in last year’s Copa America which was very out of character and one they have recovered well from, going unbeaten since.

Selections

I find it very hard to oppose Portugal to win this year’s Confederations Cup, even in spite of what appears to be prohibitive odds at first glance. They have the best squad of players at the tournament and in Cristiano Ronaldo they not only have the best player but also one of the greatest goal scorers football has ever seen – and he is showing no sign of ageing. The draw has also been kind to Santos’ men having been place in what seems to be the easiest of the two groups, at least on paper. Their opening game of the tournament against Mexico will go some way to deciding who finishes top of the section but no matter that, a match against Chile or Germany is still going to be a big test in the semi-final. Portugal will have taken great confidence from their success in France last summer and this condensed version of tournament football is also likely to play to their strengths as they grew into the Euro’s the longer it went on as games became more important. This squad is also much stronger and more dynamic than the one which was victorious last year.

Germany will not be far away – they never are – but my main concern for them is not based on their ability as these young players have talent in abundance, it’s more around how they react when things are not going their way and the lack of experience that exists amongst this group of players. I actually believe Chile will be more of a threat to the selection as they have known only success in their last two knockout competitions and will be a difficult opponent for anybody with the quality of player they have and also the mentality that has been so apparent in their two Copa America wins. Every man knows their job and does it game in game out. A value play alongside backing Portugal to win the competition is for them to clash with Chile in the final on Sunday 2nd July.

Portugal to win outright 5/2 @ Bet365

Portugal/Chile finalists 6/1 @ Betfred