The opening semi-final of the Confederations Cup should be an absolute cracker as the champions of Europe and South America collide in a mouth-watering game of football when Portugal take on Chile in Kazan.
Portugal made it into this semi-final courtesy of winning Group A of the tournament while Chile’s failure to see off Australia means they could only finish second in Group B and were resigned for this tougher test.
Portugal
After being held in their opening match by Mexico, Euro 2016 winners Portugal won their last two without conceding a goal and will head into this semi-final with their confidence high. In truth they were given no resistance by New Zealand in the third match but we are starting to see the side which won last summer.
There isn’t a real out and out weakness in this Portugal side and the options they have in support of Cristiano Ronaldo up top now is quite frightening. When you think they sent Renato Sanches to the under-21 tournament instead of this it really highlights the strength of player they have at this tournament.
Chile
There was always going to be a price to pay for a slip up in Group B and it was Chile who were guilty of it. After seeing off Cameroon fairly convincingly in their opening match of the tournament they were then held by Germany and more crucially Australia which has left them having to face Portugal here.
Going forward Chile have been fine in terms of creating chances in this tournament but they haven’t been ruthless enough in front of goal. At the other end they have had issues though and there is where their problem lies. They will have needed to strengthen in that area if they are going to get through here.
Team News
Bernardo Silva went off at half time in the previous match but he tweeted to say his ankle was fine so he should be available for this one if selected. Portugal will be without Raphael Guerreiro who is out of the rest of the tournament.
Chile are hoping that Charles Aranguiz will be fit to feature in the heart of the midfield. Claudio Bravo returned for the previous game and is expected to play in this one.
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Betting
When I previewed this tournament I was hoping if these two had to meet it would be in the final not at this stage. In my eyes the winner of this match will go on and win the tournament and having backed Portugal before the event I hope it is them who win.
In terms of this match I fancy both sides to find the net. Chile have looked all over the shop at times defensively in this tournament but they do carry a significant goal threat in their front three and while Portugal have kept two clean sheets their goal was under siege at times in those matches and their keeper and defence had to save them on the line a couple of times.
Portugal have some real attacking class in their side so I expect chances in this match and a shade under evens on both sides to score looks perfectly acceptable to me.
Tips
Back Both teams to score for a 4/10 stake at 1.95 with Betfair
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