The champions of the respective soccer confederations around the world are coming together once again for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. Considered a dry run for the actual 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia, the tournament will include reigning World Cup champions Germany as well as European champions Portugal. For more insight into the top contenders of this eight-team tournament, read on below.
Reigning World Cup champions Germany won’t be sending their strongest side to Russia, but it speaks to the country’s great strength in depth that their “B-team” is still considered the tournament favorite.
Julian Draxler, who was part of Germany’s World Cup-winning team in Brazil, will spearhead the attack along with the Bundesliga’s breakout star, Timo Werner, who scored 21 goals for RB Leipzig. They’ll also have experience at the back with Matthias Ginter and Shkodran Mustafi.
But as good as those players are, they’re still lacking the truly elite talent that their main competitors will be bringing, which will put them at a disadvantage.
European champions Portugal haven’t experienced any hangover from their shock victory over hosts France in the Euro final. They’ve won seven of their last nine games since lifting the cup and should be motivated to pick up more silverware.
Speaking of silverware, Cristiano Ronaldo is hungry for more after winning La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid. He’ll have an extra few days to rest up before joining up with the rest of Portugal’s fairly strong team and his presence will make a huge difference.
Chile are bringing the big hitters to Russia. With superstars Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal leading the charge, the Copa America champions will push Germany all the way for top spot in Group B.
The Chileans are always dangerous in tournaments because of the familiarity and continuity within their relatively small pool or players, the frenetic style they’ve played with over the past few years, and of course the quality from their two stars, Sanchez and Vidal. Expect more of the same from them in Russia, and don’t be surprised if that formula yields another trophy.
Fresh off their 1-1 draw with the USMNT, Mexico should come into this tournament sharp and ready. The Mexicans, of course, are very familiar with the Confederations Cup, having appeared in six of the previous nine tournaments.
Mexico will likely be battling it out with hosts Russia for second place behind Portugal, but don’t sleep on the Mexicans possibly even overtaking the European champs for top spot in the group.
El Tri will be dangerous in attack with all-time record goalscorer Javier “Chicacharito” Hernandez leading the line and they also possess other quality players up and down the squad.
It’s tough to imagine any of the three bottom teams—Cameroon, New Zealand, and Australia—winning the tournament, but if any team could spring a surprise, it may be the Africans.
The Indomitable Lions already sprung a huge surprise when they won the African Cup of Nations in dramatic fashion despite a squad with none of their top stars. The youthful exuberance and pressure-free way his team played caught opponents off-guard, so what’s stopping them from doing the big teams in Russia?
Writer’s Prediction
Chile (+225) has the most star power in the tournament, and their stars power them to Confederations Cup victory.
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