Confederations Cup match-day two for each club is now upon us with the hosts Russia leading off Wednesday’s games.
Group A
Russia looked good but not great against New Zealand in game one. It is more likely they held themselves in third gear for most of their 2-0 win than anything else. They lead the group after Portugal and Mexico drew 2-2 in what was the most exciting of the first round of games. Portugal should beat Russia but it’ll be a great match.
Mexico on the other hand is riding high after falling down a goal to Portugal twice, including giving up a goal in the 86th. Hector Moreno headed home a corner in stoppage to bring them level. While the Portugal result will set the stage for what Mexico has to do in their final match, putting up more than the two goal lead than Russia did on New Zealand will be key for advancing to the knockout stage.
Wednesday June 21, 8 AM, Russia vs Portugal. FS1, Telemundo, Telemundo Stream
Wednesday June 21, 11 AM, Mexico vs New Zealand. FS1, Telemundo, Telemundo Stream
Group B
Thursday’s games feature a potential World Cup Final with Germany and Chile, even though the Germans brought a “B” team. The day kicks off with Cameroon and Australia, two sides that likely will not feature in the knockout rounds but it ensures that by the end of the day at worst only one side has zero points in Group B. Cameroon tested Chile at times but were definitely the worst side on the day.
Australia looked out-matched by a very young and talented German side but as the Germans made uncharacteristic mistakes and failed to put the match away, the Aussies stayed with them. The game ended 3-2 but could’ve finished anywhere from 6-1 Germany to 3-3. Expect Australia to play with new confidence against Cameroon.
Germany and Chile are a potential knockout round matchup next year and both sides would deserve to be in the final with their recent performances. Chile was without Alexis Sanchez in the first match and while it stalled the attack, it didn’t grind it to a halt. If they add Sanchez, it’ll allow them to terrorize a shaky at times German backline. On the other side, Germany can attack with incredible ease and turn nothing into a big time something. If there is only one game you can watch of the four, watch this one.
Thursday June 22, 8 AM, Cameroon vs Australia. FS1, Telemundo, Telemundo Stream
Thursday June 22, 11 AM, Chile vs Germany. FS1, Telemundo, Telemundo Stream