European Champions Portugal face Mexico for their 3rd place match on Sunday. Despite starting with the 1st chance the semifinal against Chile, Portugal went goalless for 120 minutes and lost the match on penalties, failing to convert all their three penalties. Mexico was the only team to score against Portugal in the competition, drawing 2-2 in their group stage fixture. Despite having 8 shots on goal and 26 opportunities of finding the back of the net in their semifinal against Germany, Mexico were destroyed by Germany’s “B team” 4-1 conceding two fast goals within eight minutes of the game.
Portugal will be without their star player Cristiano Ronaldo after he left the squad to be with his new-born twins. Portugal had an exhausting game against Chile playing 120 minutes at the maximum capacity. They have the best defense in tournament with just 2 goals conceded in 4 matches keeping 3 consecutive clean sheets. Portugal’s main objective was to return home with the trophy but that’s not possible any more as they’ve failed to qualify in the finals. This might affect Portugal’s performance being the key factor for this 3rd place match. Portugal’s coach Fernando Santos has the chance to rotate the squad and give some minutes to all his players. When these two teams played each other in the group stage, Mexico dominated the game having the power to come two times from behind and winning one point. Mexico have conceded in each game of the competition showing a poor defense but their great morale made them qualify from in semifinals were they’ve lost against Germany. They will be ready to show once again that the result from the 1st match was not a surprise. We expect them to be really determined, push for the win and finish the tournament with a great victory. Mexico will be without their center back Carlos Salcedo injured but their captain Andres Guardado will be back from suspension and will play a decisive roll against Portugal. Mexico have plenty of attacking quality to win against Portugal. If they will be more careful and focused in their defense they can pull off the upset and win the 3rd place in the Confederations Cup.
Portugal are the favourites being priced at 2.25 with the green listed bookmaker Betfair. Mexico are the underdogs being priced at 3.1 with the green listed bookmaker Bet365. Portugal are not interested about the 3rd place so they will not give 100%, they will not risk or play at their maximum level. On the other side Mexico’s players declared that the 3rd place means a great achievement for them and their country and they will put their best effort to win against Portugal.
Best pick for the match: Mexico to win with DNB (Draw No Bet) at 2.2 with 10Bet.
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