Euro 2016 winners Portugal meet Copa America winners Chile on Wednesday for their Confederations Cup semifinal game. This match represents their first ever competitive fixture. Portugal thrashed New Zealand 4-0 in their last group stage fixture to reach the semifinals with seven points from possible nine. We expect a thrilling match between two Latin sides, two skillful teams playing a positive football.
In their 1st match, Portugal was held to a 2-2 draw by Mexico. They learned their lesson winning 2 consecutive games 1-0 against Russia and 4-0 vs. New Zealand keeping two clean sheets. They have the best attack with 7 goals scored in three matches but also the best defense with just two goals conceded. Cristiano Ronaldo is amongst the top scorers of the competition with 2 goals scored in three games. The Copa America champions have qualified in the semis as runner-ups in Group B winning five points, beating Cameroon 2-0 in their 1st game and drawing 1-1 with both Germany and Australia. Arturo Vidal has been Chile’s most important player so far, with Eduardo Vargas and Alexis Sanchez putting forth their best effort on helping the team to reach the semis. This competition might be the last important tournament for some Chilean players, the Chilean media writing about the end of a cycle, with young players coming from behind. That’s why Chile’s players have a great morale and will be determined to give it all and push for the trophy. Portugal and Chile have two different ways of playing the game. Chile are trying to keep the possession, control the pace, impose their rhythm and most of all they like to put pressure on their opponents from the start pressing high in their opponents half. Portugal have another style and despite having a great squad with quality attacking players, they are giving away the possession, defending well, waiting for open spaces in their opponent’s defense and being deadly on the break.
Portugal’s Bernardo Silva and Raphael Guerreiro might miss the action due to injuries. Despite getting injured against Germany, Chile’ captain and center back Gary Medel might return and help his team in the defense. Portugal are priced at 2.4 with the green listed bookmaker Betfair to win the match with Chile being the underdogs priced at 3.15 with the green listed bookmaker Bet365. We expect a thrilling contest closer than the odds suggest with both teams being eager to win the match and qualify in the final. It will be a huge clash between two of the world’s biggest football players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexis Sanchez. Ronaldo is fighting for the top scorer award and for the player of the competition award and if he will help his team winning the trophy he might win both awards. Both squads have great attacking firepower so we expect goals from both teams
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