B/R Experts: Confederations Cup Semi-Final Predictions

Portugal vs. Chile

Adam Digby:

The champions of Europe will face the Copa America holders in this clash, but both teams have failed to impress thus far in Russia.

Portugal—who handed starts to no less than 18 players in their three group games—twice threw away the lead against Mexico before being held to a draw, needed a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo to defeat the hosts and then saw off a disappointing New Zealand side.

Both Andre Silva and Bernardo Silva should retain their places for this encounter against a Chilean outfit that has also struggled.

A win over Cameroon was followed by an ill-disciplined showing against Australia, and the South American side will be forced to lean on Alexis Sanchez once again if they are to progress.

Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Chile

First goalscorer: Andre Silva

Dean Jones:

Cristiano Ronaldo versus Alexis Sanchez is just one fascinating aspect of this semi-final clash.

There is a high chance one of those men will have the final say in which side makes the final but Portugal will probably fancy their chances of coming out on top, given CR7's incredible knack of scoring important goals.

Chile's squad are really being tested at this tournament. The ruthless attack has not really been firing and there is some concern of fatigue setting in.

Portugal, meanwhile, will be perfectly happy with their path to this stage. Another Ronaldo final beckons.

Prediction: Portugal 1-0 Chile

First goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo

Karl Matchett:

The semis have produced two really intriguing match-ups, with Portugal against Chile being perhaps the most evenly balanced.

Portugal look well-structured, composed, have a goal threat and variation in midfield—but their defence is still too open at times and, frustratingly, the team has its handbrake on too often.

Chile have a set style, are aggressive and open—but don’t have the depth Portugal do, if one or two of their stars are off-form on the day.

It really is a match which can go either way, and isn’t one where I’d expect huge volumes of scoring chances, so I’ll have to back the more clinical of the two front lines—which is Andre Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Chile

First goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo

Sam Tighe:

Bar a blistering patch against Cameroon, it doesn't really feel like Chile have got going in this tournament. Injuries have disrupted things a little, sure, but they're not firing on all cylinders.

The same cannot be said of Portugal, who've looked offensively threatening throughout. Cristiano Ronaldo and Andre Silva's partnership appears one of the finest in international football right now, and that should carry them through.

Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Chile

First goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo

Germany vs. Mexico

Adam Digby:

Rather than send their full-strength squad, Germany have used this tournament to look how their younger players cope with the pressure of needing to deliver and have unsurprisingly not looked as assured as usual. Conceding four goals in three group games has highlighted weaknesses at the back that they will need to improve upon quickly, but going forward the likes of Julian Draxler and Lars Stindl have looked sharp.

For Mexico the same is also true, coach Juan Carlos Osorio looking on as his side fell behind in all three group games and needing his own impressive attack to spark a comeback. In this clash, Germany perhaps have too many weapons at their disposal, making the likelihood of an upset somewhat remote.

Prediction: Germany 2-1 Mexico

First goalscorer: Lars Stindl

Dean Jones:

Germany should prepare themselves for a style of play not too dissimilar from Chile in their last match.

That ended 1-1 and their main objective will be to stop Javier Hernandez. There have been some doubts about whether Chicharito will play but the signs are that he should get the nod to start.

Germany do not have their strongest side in Russia but their youngsters are enjoying the challenge and Mexico will be wary of the threat Julian Draxler and Timo Werner provide.

A key element for Mexico is that they have come from behind in every match and that mental strength could prove to be the difference.

Prediction: Germany 1-2 Mexico

First goalscorer: Timo Werner

Karl Matchett:

The full-strength Germany side would wipe the floor with Mexico, who haven’t been completely convincing at either end of the pitch. But this variation of Jogi Low’s side has displayed a few weak points out of possession, which will give Mexico a chance if they dominate the ball and keep Germany back in their own half.

That said, there are a few in-form Germans—Emre Can, Lars Stindl, Julian Draxler—who are match-winners through moments of real quality, and their natural resilience and ability to not panic should still see them through. And thus begins another wave of Germany internationals ready to dominate world football for years to come.

Prediction: Germany 3-1 Mexico

First scorer: Timo Werner

Sam Tighe:

Things might just be conspiring against Mexico here, as injuries and suspensions threaten to wreck their tournament. Andres Guardado's two yellows rules him out of this one, Carlos Salcedo's out, and the trio of Javier Hernandez, Hector Moreno and Diego Reyes are question marks.

At full strength, and on a good day, they might just match a powerful Germany outfit...but we're pretty far from those circumstances.

Prediction: Germany 3-0 Mexico

First goalscorer: Timo Werner