Portugal vs. Chile | Confederations Cup Preview

Portugal had no problems to win their group A of The Confederations Cup. The Fernando Santos’ players started with a 2-2 draw against Mexico, but then they beat the hosts from Russia and the outsiders New Zealand. The crucial match was against Russia, when the Portuguese men were tactically brilliant.

Chile could have won their group B of the tournament, but La Roja finished with a 1-1 draw in the last game of the group stage against Australia. However, the Juan Antonio Pizzi’s players showed a wonderful performance against Germany, winning a point from the match and won their other game 2-0 against Cameroon.

Head 2 Head

These two teams have met on only 2 occasions so far. Chile still haven’t won a game against this opponent. The first ever match between these two teams was in 1972 and Portugal won it 4-1 as guests. In 2011 Portugal and Chile met in a friendly match, which finished with a 1-1 draw. Silvestre Varela opened the score for Portugal in the 16th minute, but Matias Fernandez equalized just before the half time.

Key Players

Fernando Stantos probably won’t use one of his best players – Bernardo Silva. The midfielder has received an injury and is doubtful for the game. Raphael Guerreiro also has an injury problem and will surely be sidelined. However, the head coach of Portugal can pick his other stars. Cristiano Ronaldo already scored twice in the competition and will try to do it again against Chile.

On the other hand, Pizzi has no problems with injuries. Gary Medel missed the last match of the group stage against Australia, but will surely be fit for the tonight’s match. Claudio Bravo has recovered from his injury and will be among the starting XI. Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal will be the main threat for the Portugal defence.

Possible Starting XIs:

Portugal (4-4-2): Rui Patricio; Pepe, Jose Fonte, Cedric Soares, Eliseu; Ricardo Quaresma, Joao Moutinho, William Carvalho, Andre Gomes; Andre Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chile (4-3-3): Claudio Bravo; Gonzalo Jara, Mauricio Isla, Gary Medel, Jean Beausejour; Pedro Hernandez, Marcelo Diaz, Charles Aranguiz; Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, Eduardo Vargas.

We analyse our opponents every time we play and it doesn’t matter who we are playing. We will try to counter Ronaldo’s strengths. He’s got many, but we will do nothing special about it. Juan Antonio Pizzi