Confederations Cup Preview: Portugal vs Mexico

Euro 2016 champions Portugal will take on the CONCACAF Cup winners Mexico in the second game of the Confederations Cup on Sunday. The Cristiano Ronaldo-led side presented plenty of surprises in last summer’s Championships as they beat France in the final despite being without their talismanic skipper for most of the game. On the other hand, Mexico won a one legged play-off against the United States of America in order to qualify for the continental tournament.

The game will see two former teammates clash with Ronaldo fond of Javier Hernandez during the Mexican’s one-year loan stint with Real Madrid. Portugal have moved a long way from their Euro 2016 triumph, and this could be evident by Fernando Santos’ selection which saw the likes of Renato Sanches and Eder fail to make the 23-man squad. In spite of their absence, Portugal are overloaded with top talents in their team with Bernardo Silva, and Gelson Martins capable of putting in standout performances on their day. Young striker Andre Silva is another player to watch out for after having bagged seven goals in just eight national outings.

Mexico, on the other side, will be relying on Hernandez to boost their forward ranks with 21-year-old Hirving Lozano acting as a decoy beside the former Manchester United man. Carlos Vela is another who has become a notable face across Europe with his time at Real Sociedad, and he could potentially partner the above-mentioned duo in a three-man attack. Porto’s Hector Herrera is probably one of the most experienced midfielders at the centre of the park, and he could drive Mexico forward with his runs.

Prediction:

Portugal are overwhelming favourites for the game as they have a secure defence when compared to Mexico who conceded seven against Chile just about a year ago. The European holders rely on experienced duo Pepe and Jose Fonte to keep things tight at the back, and they could probably ease to victory.

Portugal 2 – 0 Mexico

Image – Getty