Match Overview

Before the start of the competition, everyone, including myself, doubted the ability of the weakened German 23-man squad to impress in the competition and go far, but the faith German coach Joachim Low has expressed in his players is paying off. These boys are playing good football, very technical and organised.

The second semi-final which featured Germany vs Mexico was a completely different game compared to that of Portugal vs Mexico; in terms of goals, entertainment and chances created. Germany’s number 8, Leon Goretzka, scored two quick-fire goals in the first eight minutes of the game to help Germany defeat Mexico 4-1 to reach the Confederations Cup final. The inexperienced young German squad exploited Mexico’s defensive frailties and were able to kill the game off in just eight minutes. It became an uphill task for the Mexicans to come back from a two-goal deficit so early into the game.

Timo Werner nearly scored the third goal for Germany when he was through on a goal but he was unable to beat the Mexico keeper, Guillermo Ochoa. Mexico later got a hold of the game and began to press forward in search of a goal that would reduce the deficit. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the German goalkeeper was forced into a double save by Giovani Dos Santos and Jonathan Dos Santos. Minutes later, Mexico had another chance and this time it was Javier Hernandez who was unable to direct his shot on target from the six yards box.

The lively Werner was always going to find a goal in that match to go level with Goretzka atop the tournament’s Golden Boot race with three and the goal came in the 59th minute, tapping in a cutback from Hector Herrera. After that goal, Mexico had a few more attempts to get back in the game, Fabian struck the side netting, Layun forced a fine save from the busy Ter Stegen, Jimenez hit the crossbar with a wonderful header 15 minutes to stoppage time, finally the goal came when Fabian’s long range free-kick was smashed into the net. The impressive Ter Stegen could do nothing about that one, that goal was going to be a mere consolation because few minutes later, Younes scored a tap-in to restore the Germans three-goal advantage.

Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich, once again, showed his versatility, a midfielder by trade but has been Germany’s No. 1 right-back for over a year now, but here, Joachim Low played him further back, as one of three centre-halves. This was nothing new for Kimmich having also played in that position during Pep Guardiola’s time at Bayern Munich. Little wonder Pep loves him so much, he’s a great utility player who performs at top quality in every position. Is there really anywhere Kimmich can’t play?

Starting Line-up

Germany

Mexico

Match Details

Germany will play against Chile in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup on the 2nd of July, 2017. It will be a repeat of the Group B match played on the 22nd of June, 2017. Goals from Chile’s Alexis Sanchez and Germany’s Lars Stindl were enough to settle the match. Chile had a total of 10 shots in that game with 4 of them on target, while Germany had a total of 7 shots with 4 of those on target. Chile had a slightly more ball possession 52% to Germany’s 48%. So, it promises to be a very entertaining final.

The third place match will see Portugal go up against Mexico. The game will also be played on the 2nd of July, 2017. Portugal played Mexico earlier in the competition. A last minute goal from Hector Moreno secured a 2-2 draw for Mexico after goals from Ricardo Quaresma and Cedric Soares had put Portugal 2-1 ahead. It was a tight games against these two. Portugal had 9 shots with 5 shots on target while Mexico had 8 shots with 3 shots on target.

Who are you backing to win the FIFA Confederations Cup?

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