Kick Off: 1600, 18/06/2017
Stadium: Kazan Arena
TV: ITV
Mexico are the only previous champions playing at the Confederations Cup and they face a mouth-watering first Group A match against Euro 2016 winners Portugal.
Both teams have taken strong squads to Russia, with former Real Madrid team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Javier Hernandez potentially going head-to-head.
This should be a decent contest, but we reckon the European side have the edge in class and they are fancied at Evens for victory in our Portugal vs Mexico betting tips.
A Look At Portugal’s Betting Odds
Portugal warmed up for this tournament by powering to a fifth straight World Cup win when hammering Latvia 3-0, with key man Ronaldo bagging a brace.
Fernando Santos’ side have netted 22 times in those victories, while there was also a 4-0 friendly romp against Cyprus earlier this month.
Portugal appear to have grown in confidence since securing their first major trophy last summer and much will be expected of Manchester City’s big-money signing Bernardo Silva after impressing for Monaco.
Looking at the Portugal vs Mexico odds, we like 12/5 for the favourites to oblige and over 2.5 goals in the game.
A Look At Mexico’s Betting Odds
Mexico failed to make the most of their possession and pressure when held to a 1-1 draw by the USA last week but maintained an unbeaten record in the North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup section.
Juan Carlos Osorio has brought some steel to El Tri and that is reflected in the fact that just two goals have been conceded in six games on the road to Russia.
Osorio also has good strength in depth up front, with former Manchester United striker Hernandez the country’s record goalscorer and Real Sociedad’s Carlos Vela and Benfica’s Raul Jimenez both in form.
El Tri to score but taste defeat is available at 18/5 and completes our Portugal vs Mexico predictions.
Additional stats
Last result:
Latvia 0-3 PORTUGAL – Cristiano Ronaldo (2), Andre Silva
MEXICO 1-1 USA – Carlos Vela
Head-to-head: Portugal 0-0 Mexico, Portugal 2-1 Mexico, Mexico 0-1 Portugal
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