Portugal vs Mexico - 2017 Confederations Cup Preview and Odds

Published on: 15/06/2017

Portugal vs Mexico - 2017 Confederations Cup Preview and Odds

June 18, 2017 16:00pm - Kazan Arena

Confederations Cup - Group A

The second match of the 2017 Confederations Cup will kick off at the Kazan Arena on Sunday afternoon as European champions Portugal take on 2015 CONCACAF Cup winners Mexico in Group A.

Portugal defied their critics to lift the Euro 2016 trophy last summer but are now being touted as serious contender here. Such are the expectations surrounding the squad that anything other than an appearance in the final would be considered a disappointment.

Since bagging the biggest prize in Europe, the Portuguese team have won seven of the nine matches they have played, with friendly defeats to Switzerland (0-2) and Sweden (2-3) prompting no real cause for alarm.

Cristiano Ronaldo will once again take centre stage as he looks to add a Confederations Cup to his incredible collection of silverware. The Real Madrid star has been in great form and has already won a Spanish League title and a Champions League medal in recent weeks. He will be supported by the AC Milan`s André Silva and Manchester City`s Bernardo Silva who will add further attacking steel the Portugal front line.

Meanwhile, 1999 winners Mexico will head to Russia on quest to secure their second Confederations Cup trophy. Since Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio took over the reins last year, they have only been beaten twice but their performances have not always been pleasing to the Mexican fans.

Having said that, there is plenty of talent in the squad and they have some recent form for producing the goods when it matters. Former Manchester United forward and leading goal scorer Javier `Chicharito` Hernandez will once again lead the line, and will be ably supported by other familiar names such as Carlos Vela, Jonathan dos Santos, Marco Fabián and Andrés Guardado. The squad will once again be captained by former Barcelona man Rafael Márquez but it is unclear how big a part, the 38-year-old will play.

Recent form (All competitions)

Portugal: WWLWW

Mexico: DWWLW

Betting odds and tips

For the most part, this should be a fairly even match, especially in the midfield areas but Portugal have the clear attacking advantage and should be backed to prevail.

You can back Portugal to Win at 21/20 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris