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Teams have already played their first matches in the Confederations Cup, and even though minimally, the outlines of the groups can already be seen. In the first evening match, the hosts Russians will clash with the European champions Portugal, who were forced to settle for a draw against Mexico. And in the second evening match, the remaining teams from Group A will meet: Mexico and New Zealand.
Russia - Portugal
In the ranks of the Russian team, there is not a single player who should have problems with yellow cards, as no player received them in the opening match. Meanwhile, Portugal has Andre Gomes and Adrien on yellow cards, and if they receive another warning, they will be forced to miss the last group match.
Russia and Portugal have played three times in Moscow, with the home team Russians celebrating victory twice. It is also worth mentioning that Russians have never conceded a goal in Moscow in matches against Portugal.
The first victory was achieved in 1983 when the then Soviet Union triumphed 5-0 in the European Championship qualifier. In the 2006 World Cup qualifier, the teams played a goalless draw. And in the 2014 World Cup qualifier, the Russian team secured a victory at home against the visitors 1-0.
Russia
Russia certainly understands that the first victory against New Zealand means nothing and they realize that they need to make changes in their game to compete with the European champions. Russia played very bravely and confidently against Oceania representatives. They pressed opponents throughout all the matches and tried to provoke their mistakes, but against Portugal, this tactic may not work. Pressuring a team like Portugal on the entire pitch could be heavily punished. Being the leaders of Group A, the Russian team may have to engage more in counterattacks, as Portugal cannot afford to waste points again.
Possible starting lineup: Goalkeeper: Igor Akinfeev. Defenders: Igor Smolnikov, Georgy Dzhikiya, Viktor Vasin, Fedor Kudryashov, Yuri Zhirkov. Midfielders: Denis Glushakov, Alexander Yerokhin, Alexander Golovin. Forwards: Dmitry Poloz, Fedor Smolov.
Average age: 28 years. Last three matches: Russia 2:0 New Zealand, Russia 1:1 Chile, Russia 3:0 Hungary Participation in the Confederations Cup: Debut
Portugal
Portugal's national team coach Fernando Santos revealed that he is ready to use extensive rotation among players. But if the coach intends to give rest to the main players in the match against New Zealand, they must defeat the Russians. Considering that Portugal struggled in defense against Mexicans, they may try to raise the tempo in the midfield, as they were slower than the South American team.
Possible starting lineup: Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio. Defenders: Raphael Guerrero, Bruno Alves, Jose Fonte, Nelson Semedo. Midfielders: Andre Gomes, Gelson Martins, William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho, Andre Silva. Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Average age: 27.8 years. Last three matches: Portugal 2:2 Mexico, Portugal 3:0 Latvia, Portugal 4:0 Sweden Participation in the Confederations Cup: Debut
New Zealand - Mexico
In these matches, the history is completely different. New Zealand is fighting for the first victory in the history of the Confederations Cup, while the Mexicans are fighting for a place in the semifinals. Not making it there would be like a fiasco for Mexico.
Javier Hernandez has already become the all-time top scorer for Mexico after scoring a goal against Portugal. The striker with 4 goals in the Confederations Cup tournament became the second highest scorer for Mexico in this tournament. However, Chicharito will need to work hard to reach the first place, as Cuauhtemoc Blanco is currently leading with 9 goals.
If New Zealand does not win against Portugal, it will be 10 matches without a victory in the Confederations Cup. And that would be an improved anti-record. Even a goal would be welcome for New Zealand. In the last five matches, the Oceanic team failed to score even once, and 513 minutes without a goal does not look appealing.
38-year-old Mexican captain Rafa Marquez did not appear on the pitch in the first match, even though he is the only player in Russia who has lifted the Confederations Cup. If R. Marquez appears on the pitch against New Zealand, he will become the second oldest player ever to play in this tournament. He is currently 38 years and four months old.
New Zealand
After the match against Russia, there were few positive aspects in New Zealand's game, and their game plan completely failed. The confidence of the Oceanic team in their abilities has certainly plummeted, which will not help them in the match against Mexico. Anthony Hudson's changes in the team lineup can be expected with the hope that New Zealand can surprise.
Possible starting lineup: Goalkeeper: Stefan Marinovic. Defenders: Tom Doyle, Tommy Smith, Andrew Durante, Themis Tzipoulus, Michael Boxall. Midfielders: Ryan Thomas, Bill Tuiloma, Michael McGlinchey. Forwards: Chris Wood, Marco Rojas.
Mexico
There were both positive and negative things in Mexico's match against Portugal. Mexico will try to redeem themselves against a team that they should not have much trouble giving. Carlos Osorio is likely to stick to his habit of rotating players, which could allow 8 new faces to be seen in the starting lineup. And the main and most anticipated one is R. Marquez.
Possible starting lineup: Goalkeeper: Alfredo Talavera. Defenders: Diego Reyes, Nestor Araujo, Oswaldo Alanis, Luis Reyes. Midfielders: Marco Fabian, Rafael Marquez, Gio Dos Santos. Forwards: Javier Aquino, Javier Hernandez, Hirving Lozano.
Average age: 27.9 years Last three matches: Mexico 2:2 Portugal, Mexico 1:1 USA, Mexico 3:0 Honduras Participation in the Confederations Cup: Six times (1995, 1997, 1999 (Champions), 2001, 2005, 2013)
