Everyone’s a winner in Russia when seven trophy-holding teams arrive for a World Cup dress rehearsal in this year’s Confederation Cup.
Teams from every football-playing continent in the world will battle it out over 16 football games to win this prestigious Cup as a prelude to next year’s tournament.
And it’s a chance for online betting fans to size up the teams and have some fun.
Russia vs New Zealand
Group A kicks off with the traditional curtain-raiser of the hosts welcoming their first opponent and it pitches rank outsiders New Zealand against Russia in Saint Petersburg. Wisdom tells us it should be a home win and SBOBET is offering odds of 1.95 for New Zealand to triumph with a +1.50 goals start, and Russia at 1.97 with that handicap. But Stanislav Cherchesov’s team have had a rather underwhelming run, which left them the 63rd-ranked team in the world, behind Scotland and Uzbekistan! They have won only two in the last seven; while NZ has lost just two in that period.
New Zealand is FIFA’s 95th-ranked team but on the up and Leeds United striker Chris Wood could play a part. He was the Championship’s top scorer last season and says: “We want to be here in these big competitions. The boys are raring to go and will be up for it.” Look out Russia!
Portugal vs Mexico
Sunday’s Group A match is a great one for the purists as European Champions Portugal takes on a dangerous Mexico side, ranked 17th by FIFA. The Kazan Arena could see Cristiano Ronaldo in action and that’s a treat for sure after yet another incredible season. Ronaldo has scored 12 times in his last six internationals but he won’t find Mexico an easy target. Juan Carlos Osorio’s team is in good shape to qualify for the World Cup having lost just once in 13 internationals.
With Portugal at 2.18 to win, the draw at 3.00 and a Mexico win at 3.45, this could go any way.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
