Sports Blog 30/06/2017: Confederations Cup Final Preview – Chile vs Germany, Sunday 2nd July 2017

Will Germany become the first world champions to win the Confederations Cup since Brazil in 2005, or can Copa America conquistadors Chile nab the title?

It is fitting that two of the most consistent international sides have reached the final of a competition ostensibly about crowning the world’s best footballing country. Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory was followed up by a (slightly disappointing) semi-final finish at Euro 2016, while Chile have won the last 2 Copa Americas (both 2015’s regular instalment and last year’s centenary edition).



Joachim Low’s side had the edge during the group stages of the Cup, with 7 points to their South America rival’s 5 (Chile let themselves down with a draw against Australia). Yet there wasn’t much in it when they face each other in their second game. Alexis Sanchez scored after just 6 minutes, becoming his country’s all-time top goal scorer in the process, only for Lars Stindl to equalise against the run of play just before the break. Neither side could break down the other in the second half, leading to points shared and little indication of who will win on Sunday.

Chile had the far harder semi-final, taking on European champions Portugal. Yet despite the ample abilities of Sanchez and Cristiano Ronaldo the game ended in stalemate, forcing the game to penalties. It was here that under-fire Man City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo stepped up, saving spot-kicks from Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho and Nani to send his countrymen to the final.

While the Chileans were arguably the underdogs ahead of their semi, it was unthinkable that Germany’s Mexican stand-off would end in any other way than annihilation of their central American opponents. Low’s inexperienced side – the likes of Neuer, Ozil, Kroos and Muller were all left at home – shone, with Leon Goretzka’s 8 minute brace followed by goals from Timo Werner (his 3rd of the competition) and Amin Younes (Mexico did get a late consolation courtesy of banger from Marco Fabian). 

As evidenced by their Group B battle, there isn’t much to separate these two sides, with Spreadex offering an incredibly tight Germany/Chile (h) Goal Supremacy spread of 0.05-0.25 alongside a Total Goals spread of 2.45-2.65.