B/R Experts: Germany vs. Chile, Confederations Cup Final Predictions

Germany face off against Chile in St Petersburg, Russia, on Sunday for the Confederations Cup crown.

It's sure to be a tight affair, and with that in mind our experts have been poring over the form book in a bid to point you in the right direction.

Adam Digby

Back-to-back Copa America winners Chile will meet World Cup holders Germany in this clash on Sunday, with both teams looking to add further silverware to enhance their recent successes.

The South American side needed penalties to defeat Portugal but will take a huge mental boost from that semi-final. Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez and goalkeeper Claudio Bravo—who saved no fewer than three spot-kicks in that shootout—have been the key men, and they possess the intensity and experience necessary to secure another triumph in Russia.

For their part, Germany's new-look squad will be buoyed by their 4-1 rout of Mexico to reach the showpiece match, but it may prove a bridge too far for the European side. Their defensive frailties have been exposed throughout the tournament, and Juan Antonio Pizzi's men will almost certainly be ready to exploit that.

Prediction: Germany 1-1 Chile (Chile win)

First goalscorer: Arturo Vidal

Dean Jones

It's so difficult to separate these sides because of the strong mentality they both have.

On the one hand, Chile's experience could prove so crucial in this final. They showed great will to win their penalty shootout against Portugal and have come from behind so many times in this tournament.

On the other hand, Germany's fearless youngsters have nothing to lose and have just hammered Mexico 4-1.

I'm going to say these sides cancel each other out...and Germany eventually lift the trophy.

Prediction: Germany 1-1 Chile (Germany win on pens)

First goalscorer: Julian Draxler

ALEXANDER NEMENOV/Getty Images

Karl Matchett

This is the rightful final in terms of which teams have impressed the most. Chile have been exciting and aggressive in attack, albeit without a cutting edge at times, while Germany have simply impressed all over the pitch with their depth, variance of play and ability to score goals throughout the team.

Chile's all-action defence might be the biggest test that Germany could come up against, given their physicality (if not actual size) and relentless running and blocking. That non-stop movement will be critical in attempting to shut down the off-the-ball movement that the German frontline has, particularly from Timo Werner dropping deep and Leon Goretzka or Julian Draxler surging from the centre to beyond the defensive line.

The question marks are in a similar area of the pitch, too. Can Chile score when Alexis isn't quite on top of his game or is being somewhat greedy as he has been in this tournament, not releasing passes at the right time? And can the German defence find a 90-minute performance of resilience and concentration? They've lost it at times and had spells in matches where they look vulnerable, even though the midfield plays extremely well.

It's a fantastic matchup, but Germany's mentality and variety in attack might win out.

Prediction: Germany 3-1 Chile

First goalscorer: Timo Werner

Sam Tighe

With so many games squashed up in such a tight schedule, the nature of the two semi-finals could be key in determining how the final goes. Chile found putting Portugal to bed an incredibly tough task that required 120 minutes and a penalty shootout, while Germany made short work of a depleted Mexico side, scoring twice before the 10-minute mark and never having to leave first gear.

That extra 30 minutes Chile went through put them on the back foot—particularly given Joachim Low's men did not have to exert themselves at all on Thursday. We're talking five games in 14 days; no one is feeling fresh, but Germany will be by far the fresher.

On paper it's so close a call that fitness feels like it will decide this one.

Prediction: Germany 2-1 Chile

First goalscorer: Timo Werner