Portugal enters the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 tied with Germany as the overall favorites at +240 to win the entire tournament.
However, the reigning UEFA European Champions have a rather daunting opponent in their debut match this Sunday in Mexico. Then again, with 2016’s Best FIFA Men’s Player on A Seleccao‘s side in Cristiano Ronaldo, goals will come a dime a dozen.
Not only that, but it was Portugal who came out on top in their last meeting against El Tri. Defender Bruno Alves gave his squad the win over the Mexicans in injury time at a 2014 World Cup friendly, and you can be certain that Ronaldo, Alves and their crew have many more tricks up their sleeves to start their Confederations Cup on a high note this weekend.
At +900 to win this year’s Confederations Cup, Mexico does pose as a serious dark horse in Russia.
What the Mexicans have that other clubs don’t is a proven winner from this very tournament in 38-year-old Rafael Marquez, who won a trophy for the national team back in 1999. However, Marquez’s leadership may be missed by his team this Sunday, as he’s doubtful to take the pitch dealing with a nagging back injury.
Nevertheless, El Tri still have a trio of standouts who are currently playing in the Portuguese league in Raul Jimenez, Hector Herrera and Miguel Layun. Jimenez’s contribution to the team, in particular, will be key for coach Juan Carlos Osorio and his boys. The 26-year-old forward was on the roster during S.L. Benfica’s championship-winning runs in 2015 and 2016, and his knowledge of Portugal’s tactics will indeed be of great benefit for Mexico.
Writer’s Prediction
The two sides prove to be as tough as the other, with Sunday’s match ending in a tense 2-2 draw (+200).
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