Portugal vs Mexico Betting Preview

Kick-off: Sunday, June 15 @16:00 PM GMT

Venue: Kazan’ Arena (Kazan)

Head to head record

Mexico vs Portugal 0-1 (2014 Friendly International)
Portugal vs Mexico 2-1 (2006 FIFA World Cup)

Portugal vs Mexico prediction

European champions Portugal kick off their FIFA Confederations Cup campaign with a game against Mexico. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. are eyeing their first ever trophy at the tournament, but they will have to be at their sharpest if they are to beat El Tri in their opener.

Fernando Santos doing a great job

Thanks to a win over France in the final of Euro 2016 Portugal clinched their first ever trophy at the major tournaments. A Selecao proved their worth at the showpiece tournament in France and they are now on a quest to win their first FIFA Confederations Cup trophy. Portugal head into the game against Mexico following a routine 3-0 win over Latvia in the World Cup qualifier and it has to be noted that Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace against the former Soviet republic. CR7 impressed in the 2016/2017 Champions League final and the Real Madrid ace is likely to prove a handful for Mexico defenders in Sunday’s clash at Kazan’ Arena. Considering that Portugal will face the likes of Russia and New Zealand in their last two group games a win over El Tri could see them move one step closer to booking their place in the Confederations Cup semis.

Real Madrid defender Pepe has overcome his long-term injury and he is likely to start against Mexico. Bayern Munich midfielder Sanches and striker Eder have been left out of the squad, whilst goalkeeper Anthony Lopes misses the tournament for personal reasons.

Big ambitions

Back in 1999 Mexico won the FIFA Confederations Cup, with the team beating Brazil in the title game. El Tri are eager to repeat the success and they certainly have big ambitions for the upcoming tournament in Russia. The Mexicans are on the right track to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals and they are high on confidence ahead of Sunday’s encounter against star-studded Portugal. Carlos Vela found the net in a 1-1 draw with the United States at the weekend and the Real Sociedad attacker will be the man to watch in Juan Osorio’s team. Javier Hernandez Chicharito is likely to lead the attack for the Mexicans against A Selecao and, no doubt, the opposition defenders should have the former Manchester United star at bay. Mexico are after their first ever win over Portugal and one thing is for sure: Juan Osorio’s men are going to leave their hearts on the field in the opening match of their 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign.

Rafa Marquez has recovered from a back injury and the veteran is pushing for a start. The likes of Jesus Molina, Jorge Hernandez, Orbelin Pineda, Jurgen Damm, Jesus Duenas and Jesus Gallardo did not make the cut.

Interesting Facts

• Mexico are eyeing their first ever win over Portugal
• Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 73 goals for Portugal national team
• El Tri suffered only one loss in last 13 games in all competitions
• Carlos Vela could earn his 56th cap for Mexico against Portugal
• Portugal are after their third consecutive clean sheet

Portugal vs Mexico betting pick

Portugal and Mexico seem to be evenly matched at the moment and a close encounter appears on the cards. Both sides are likely to adopt a cautious approach in their Confederations Cup opener and, taking everything into account, under 2.5 goals bet should be considered. In their last meeting on the international stage, Portugal recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mexico.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals

Odds: 7/11