Confederations Cup: Semi Finals

Portugal v Chile – Thur 4:00am

There is no doubt that Chile would have preferred to play Mexico in the semi but a poor performance against the Socceroos cost them top spot in Group B. The Wolf was shocked at how effective the Socceroos were when pressing high up the field. They were consistently able to dispossess the Chileans and it really took them out of their comfort zone. The Wolf is expects a vast improvement from them, especially in midfield where their passing was poor and in front of goal where they missed easy goal scoring opportunities. Portugal loom as a very imposing opponent. They are coming off the most dominant performance of the tournament. Quaresma and Bernardo Silva were outstanding out wide against New Zealand while Andre Silva and Ronaldo ran riot through the middle. Cedric and William Carvalho will return to the starting XI but The Wolf says it would be a huge mistake to leave out Quaresma. With Nani and Pereira also in the rotation coach Santos will have some very tough decisions to make. Portugal have maintained 4 clean sheets in their last 5 while the Under is 4-1 in Chile’s last 5. This will be a very tactical battle and The Wolf is predicting a 1-1 draw with extra time and possibly penalties.

Best: Under 2.5 goals ($1.65)
Value: Draw ($3.25)
Correct Score: Draw 1-1 ($6.50)


Germany v Mexico – Fri 4:00am

Mexico continue to be the most under-rated team of the tournament. They fell behind twice against Portugal but managed to grab a draw and have since come a from a goal down to win against both New Zealand and Russia. Their win against Russia in particular was very impressive. They were bombarded early and once Russia took the lead you would have though that a rampant home crowd would get them home. It wasn’t the case. Mecixo have scored multiple goals in all 3 matches this tournament and with Germany leaking goals at the back The Wolf is very confident that the Mexicans can give them an almighty scare. Herrera has been a star in midfield for Mexico and his clash with Goretzka will be one to keep a close eye on. The Wolf can see the trio of Hernandez, dos Santos and Guardado turning the midfield battle into a real scrap and that will take the Germans out of their comfort zone. Both teams love to go wide and get numbers forward and it makes for a very open encounter. Despite scoring 7 goals, equal most, Germany have been wasteful in front of goal. The Wolf says Germany are way under the odds and says a clinical Mexico will capitalise. The stage is set for Hernandez.

Best: Over 2.5 goals ($1.90)
Value: Mexico WIN ($3.60)
Correct Score: Mexico 2-1 ($12.00)