The second semi-final of the Confederations Cup sees the Group B winners and world champions Germany taking on the North America winners Mexico in Sochi on Thursday night. The winner of this match will face Chile in the final on Sunday.
Germany came from second place into first spot in their group in the final match of it on Sunday and their reward is a clash with Group A runners up Mexico who were always likely to come second to Portugal in that section.
Germany
A lot has been made of the fact that the world champions have brought a second string squad with them to this tournament but it hasn’t stopped them from going well so far. They won two of their matches in the group with a draw against Chile in between and have scored seven goals in the process.
They have had their issues defensively in this tournament and I guess you would have expected that given the top class talent they have left at home in that department. That said we all know how well drilled German sides are when it comes to knockout football so it would be no surprise if they improve there now.
Mexico
Once Mexico drew with Portugal in their opening match of the tournament they were expected to cruise into the semi-final but although they made it in the end it was anything but the easy route that was anticipated. They played New Zealand and Russia in their next two matches and won them both but went behind in both.
That showed they have the heart and the character to never give in which could be needed in this semi-final but it also shows they have a vulnerability which they could do without if they are to make this easier on themselves. In a match where the first goal could be important they won’t want to go behind again.
Team News
Germany haven’t disclosed any new injury issues so Joachim Low could have a full squad to choose from. He needs to choose between Lars Stindl or Timo Werner up front but both have two goals already so there isn’t much to choose between them.
Mexico will definitely be without Andres Guardado who is suspended for accumulating a pair of yellow cards. They will also be missing Carlos Salcido who is out of the tournament through injury.
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Betting
This looks an interesting semi-final to me. I say that because Germany have this powerful reputation at this stage of a tournament while Mexico’s recent knockout record leaves a little to be desired but the way the two have made it this far suggests more of a balance to the contest.
Both sides have struggled to keep clean sheets in this tournament. Mexico have been all over the place defensively so far. New Zealand could have had a hatful against them as could Russia but Germany haven’t been any better in that area.
We didn’t get the goals I expected in the first semi but I don’t see how they don’t come along here. I get the impression both sides are going to go for this which should make for a good contest and with the way the two are defending I’m expecting goals to come in this one.
Tips
WON – Back Over 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.85 with Bet365
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