Prediction: Portugal vs Chile

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365

Portugal and Chile have been two of the top teams in the 2017 Confederations Cup so far, and both sides will collide in Kazan this Wednesday with a Final berth on the line. The reigning European champions defeated New Zealand to win Group A, while Chile drew against Australia and finished second in Group B.

Portugal

Portugal responded to the expectations and won the Group B with relative ease. They drew against Mexico after conceding a goal on stoppage time, but won against Russia and New Zealand with little to no problems. There were a few doubts on their defence following their debut against El Tri, but they have been playing better as the tournament advances. And while Chile will be their toughest challenge to date, Portugal are well equipped to move past the reigning CONMEBOL champions. Cristiano Ronaldo remains on top form, and players such as Cedric Soares, Ricardo Quaresma, and Andre Gomes have performed better than expected. Their defence remains suspect, but they are good enough on the attack to mask those differences.

Team News

Fernando Santos has a few doubts ahead of this game. Raphäel Guerreiro and Bernardo Silva were not able to train properly in the past two days, and their presence for Wednesday’s game is uncertain.

To make things even more complicated, Pepe is suspended after picking up two yellow cards during the Group Stage. José Fonte will take his place at centre back.

Chile

Chile was always considered as one of the top teams in Group B, and they clinched a berth in the next round after advancing past Group B. A convincing win against Cameroon and a solid draw against Germany had them on the verge of qualifying, but their performance against Australia in the final game of the Group Stage was not a good one. Even though La Roja rotated the side a bit, Chile needs to be back at full strength for the game against Portugal. Another sub-par performance will not be enough, because despite Portugal’s defensive issues, the European champions have an attack that can upset any defence. But Chile have weapons of their own – the trio of Eduardo Vargas, Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez have enough pace and skill to complicate Portugal’s defensive line.

Team News

Juan Antonio Pizzi will repeat the same squad that played against Germany. This means Jean Beausejour, Marcelo Diaz and Pedro Pablo Hernandez will return to the squad, while Jose Pedro Fuenzalida will head back to the bench.

Charles Aranguiz and Gary Medel are doubtful due to physical problems. However, both will take part in the starting lineup.

Key Factors to Consider

• Portugal have a slight edge against Chile in their direct meetings. Both teams have played three times, with two wins for the European side and a draw.
• The last time both sides played was in 2011 in Leiria, and the game ended with a 1-1 draw.
• Chile have advanced to the final in their last two tournaments: 2015 Copa America, and 2016 Copa America Centenario. Chile won both titles.
• Portugal have one of the best attacks in the tournament, with seven goals scored in only three matches.
• On the other hand, both Portugal and Chile have the best defence with only two goals allowed in three matches.

Conclusion

This is going to be a very even contest. Both teams have an explosive attacking line and tend to have problems on defence. Portugal might have a slight edge thanks to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, but Chile have Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal leading the way. Considering both sides’ strengths and weaknesses, I believe both will score.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: bet365