Prediction: Chile vs Australia

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: bet365

Chile have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2017 Confederations Cup, as they currently top Group B thanks to a win and a draw in their first two matches. They will look to clinch a berth in the semifinals this Sunday. But for that to happen, they will need to overcome an Australia side that needs a miracle to advance to the next round.

Chile

Even though Chile did not win against Germany, it’s hard to deny what Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men have been doing on Russian soil. La Roja defeated Cameroon with ease, and they could have easily taken the three points against Germany had they been a bit more accurate on the final third. Their attacking style has turned heads all over the world, and they look like one of the candidates to win the trophy. But for that to happen, they need to take care of an Australian side that is going to make things difficult for them. Chile will need to be at their best against The Socceroos, but their track record has been positive. La Roja registers a 4W 1D 0L record in five matches against the reigning AFC champions.

Team News

Gary Medel left the game against Germany with a thigh injury, and is currently doubtful. Claudio Bravo is doubtful as well, as the Manchester City goalkeeper has not been able to overcome an injury sustained almost two months ago.

It is worth noting that Alexis Sanchez, Jean Beausejour and Gonzalo Jara would be suspended for the semifinals if they receive a yellow card on Sunday.

Australia

Australia have had an interesting tournament, to say the least. Even though the team has struggled massively on defence on both matches, it would be unfair to say they have looked overmatched. They could have gotten a better result against Germany, and the draw was a deserved outcome in the game against Cameroon. But Chile will be their tougher test to date, and recent games against CONMEBOL foes have not been kind for The Socceroos since they lost 0-4 to Brazil less than two weeks before the start of the Confederations Cup. They must improve on that performance, however, because anything less than a win would eliminate them from the tournament.

Team News

Players such as Mile Jedinak and Ben Smith were ruled out of the tournament before it started. But once the ball started rolling, Australia have been healthy. And manager Angelos Postecoglou will not have any absentees for Sunday’s match.

Trent Sainsbury and Bailey Wright would miss out on a potential semifinal match if they receive another yellow card, though.

Key Factors to Consider

• Chile has won four of their five matches against Australia, and they are riding a four-game winning streak against them.
• The last time both sides met, Chile won 3-1 in the 2014 World Cup. Several players that will participate in that match will take the pitch again on Sunday, such as Alexis Sanchez, Jean Beausejour, and Tim Cahill just to name a few.
• Australia’s last game against a CONMEBOL opponent wasn’t a good experience for them, as they lost 0-4 against Brazil a few days before the start of the Confederations Cup.
• Chile ranks fourth in the FIFA World Ranking, while Australia sits on the 48th spot.
• Chile would qualify with a win or a draw, and even a loss would work for them depending on the result of Cameroon vs Germany.
• On the other hand, Australia need to win if they want to reach the semifinals. And if possible, a win by at least two goals would be perfect for them.

Conclusion

Chile should dominate the game. Their attacking style and pacey system will be too much to handle for an Australian side that has struggled defensively in this tournament. Expect Chile to secure the three points and the top spot in Group B with a convincing win.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 1/3

Bookmaker: bet365