Group Stage Predictions

Confederations Cup play begins tomorrow, so I have quickly made my predictions for the 4 teams that will advance out of the group stage. Remember: the top two teams advance.

Group A: Portugal and Mexico

Group A	Wins	Draws	Losses	GD	Points
Portugal	2	1	0	5	7
Mexico	2	1	0	4	7
New Zealand	0	1	2	-4	1
Russia	0	1	2	-5	1

 I do not think this group will produce any trouble. If any, maybe New Zealand or host Russia steal a point against the two favorites, Portugal and Mexico, but both Portugal and Mexico are too good for New Zealand and the hosts. The cup will start with a disappointing draw between Russia and New Zealand, followed by Portugal and Mexico also ending up level in their first match. What will followed will be two,three, or possibly even four-goal deficit wins for Mexico and Portugal for them to advance.

Group B: Germany and Chile

Group B	Wins	Draws	Losses	GD	Points
Germany	3	0	0	8	9
Chile	2	0	1	2	6
Cameroon	1	0	2	-3	3
Australia	0	0	3	-7	0

I believe Chile may actually have some trouble finding the net in their opener against Cameroon, but will win 1-0. Australia will, most likely, get beat up by title favorites Germany and Chile, and losing in a close game vs. Cameroon by 1. Chile will lose to Germany in an offensive match with lots of goals, but Chile rebound in an elimination game against Australia, while Germany will silence Cameroon's optimistic fans in the final group stage match.