2017 Confederations Cup Match Prediction: New Zealand vs. Portugal
Match Venue: Krestovsky Stadium, St. Petersburg
Match Date & Time: 24 June 2017 – 11:00 PM (Philippine Standard Time)
12BET (Football Tip)
New Zealand and Portugal haven’t met previously and this will be the first head-to-head battle between the two teams and it’s going to be a thrilling match as the Portugal team is aiming for the semi-finals spot. Key factors that needs to consider for Portugal is the clean sheet in three of their last four games and lost only one of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Team Analysis
New Zealand
New Zealand scored only 1 goal in their last four matches and they got eliminated from the tournament after a wild 1-2 defeat over Mexico. All Whites had the chance to win the match. In fact, they went up 1-0 when Chris Wood scored in the 42nd minute of the first half but ended up losing in the game when Raul Jimenez and Oribe Reyes nailed one goal apiece for Mexico to crushed New Zealand’s dreams. Even though they lost any chance of going through, Marco Rojas and Wood are expected to prepare against Portugal to lead the line in attack while Michael Boxall will try to contain one of Real Madrid’s prolific scorer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal
Portugal got their first victory after they beat host Russia in their Group A match at Spartak Arena, Moscow. The star of the game was none other than Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored an early header in the 8th minute of the first half through the pinpoint cross pass from left by Raphael Guerreiro to seal the win. Right now Portugal sits second in Group A ahead of the final clash in the group with four points in the Confederations Cup group standing. They are level on points with Mexico but they are place second because of an inferior goal difference.
Prediction
Despite of being eliminated from the tournament, New Zealand is expected to play with pride in their final group game of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup but Portugal on the other end will surely have a comfortable and convincing victory in this match. Portugal is still the clear favorites to make it to the final round because of their impressive win in the 2016 European Championship. A win against New Zealand stands for a semi-finals spot for Portugal in St. Petersburg.
Portugal to win 1.11 (this odd might change)
Score: 3-0
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