Verdict: Germany
Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg will welcome Chile and Germany in a highly-anticipated Confederations Cup on Sunday night. Both teams will be buoyed by their semi-final results and should be in for a proper cracker.
Chile
La Roja goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is the talk of the town after his semi-final penalty shootout heroics against Portugal. The Manchester City shot stopper put in a remarkable display and saved three consecutive penalties to help Chile overcome last summer’s European champions. Much criticized Citizens’ goalie proved to be a hero after two nations held on to a scoreless draw for the full 120 minutes. Bravo took centre stage when it mattered the most and denied Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani to singlehandedly guide his nation to its first-ever Confederations Cup final. Chile took a longer road to the final as they struggled a bit in the earlier stages of the competition. Two draws and a single win over Cameroon saw La Roja go through the group stages from the runners-up spot. As the oldest average team of the eight competing nations, Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men beat the odds to earn their place in the final and will head into the showpiece event feeling confident of their ability.
Team News
Having missed the group stage clash against Germany, Claudio Bravo will be a major boost for Juan Antonio Pizzi’s team.
Chile manager is expected to field his strongest side with biggest stars Alexis Sanxhez, Arturo Vidal, Gary Medel and Eduardo Vargas leading the line against Germany.
Germany
Unbeaten since their Euro 2016 semi-final defeat at the hands of France, Joachim Loew’s men have been one of the most pleasant surprises at this year’s Confederations Cup. The Germany manager fielded an experimental side in Russia and was not given enough credit that would make reigning World champions firm favourites to fight for the title in Russia. Die Mannschaft, however, proved once again they are always a force to be reckoned with even when the likes of Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Jerome Boateng are not around. In the absence of their more experienced and more illustrious teammates, it was Germany’s young forces Julian Draxler, Emre Can, Leon Goretzka who stepped under the limelight to lead their team forward in impressive fashion. Germany’s 4-1 triumph over Mexico in the semi-final of the competition was the demonstration of force and a strong message of intent and desire ahead of the final matchup against Chile. A quick-fire early brace from Leon Goretzka and goals from Wermer and Younes helped Joachim Loew’s men dismantle helpless Mexico, who only managed to score an 89th0minute consolation goal through Fabian. Heading into the final, Germany once again emerge as firm favourites to land a trophy, despite being the youngest squad in the competition.
Team News
Joachim Loew is unlikely to ring any changes to his starting lineup.
Shkodran Mustafi will command the backline, while Can, Draxler and Goretzka will orchestrate from the midfield to upfront.
Key Factors to Consider
- Germany scored 7 goals in their last two Confederations Cup matches
- Die Mannschaft are unbeaten in last 14 matches in all competitions
- Germany failed to keep a clean sheet throughout the competition in Russia
- Chile failed to win in 90 minutes over their last three games
- La Roja drew all of their last three outings at the Confederations Cup
Conclusion
Chile have notched three consecutive draws at the Confederations Cup following their opening win over Cameroon. It was the 1-1 draw against Germany that started this trend of sort and we are fairly certain Die Mannschaft will do their utmost to help Chile end it in a disappointing fashion. Germany are firm favourites to win this clash and should be backed for their first-ever Confederations Cup title.
Verdict: Germany
Best Odds: 7/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
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