Confederations Cup Champion
Mark Ogden and Nick Ames key in on Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexis Sanchez ahead of the semifinal between Portugal and Chile.
A look at the best bets ahead of more Confederations Cup action ...
Portugal gathering momentum
We've reached the semifinal stage, and on Wednesday Portugal are a to beat Chile. After a 2-2 draw with Mexico in their opening match, the European champions have won their last two, with Cristiano Ronaldo finding the net in wins over Russia and New Zealand. Portugal are clearly a team gathering momentum and Ronaldo has been ably assisted in attack by Bernardo Silva and Andre Silva. Boss Fernando Santos knows he has a strong squad, and the focus should now be lifting the trophy at the Krestovsky Stadium on July 2.
Chile were fancied by many to emerge victorious in Russia but they've struggled so far, and Sunday's 1-1 result against Australia was their second successive draw in the competition. The South Americans play a high-tempo game but collectively they've looked a little off the pace. Some star names have looked rather heavy-legged, and it doesn't help that having finished second in their group they'll have one fewer day to rest and recuperate than Wednesday's opponents. Portugal have been excellent and are clearly taking the competition seriously. With this in mind, they look the pick at odds against.
Mexico to hold Germany
In the other semifinal, a youthful Germany side may not have things all their own way against Mexico. The world champions, playing without many of their 2014 World Cup winners, have yet to really stamp their authority on proceedings and could have their work cut out in Sochi against a lively Mexican side. It should be another open game with the draw, on offer at, looking the best way to go from a betting perspective.
England U21s look to advance
On Tuesday, England face Germany in the semifinals of the European Under-21 Championships. It promises to be a fascinating encounter between two excellent sides. Germany lost to Italy in their last Group B match but reached the last four courtesy of comfortable wins over Denmark and the Czech Republic.
Aidy Boothroyd's England were excellent in seeing off hosts Poland 3-0 on Thursday, and the boss deserves credit for starting Demarai Gray instead of Tammy Abraham. It proved a tactical masterstroke as Gray - after a season on the periphery at Leicester City - fired the Young Lions ahead after just six minutes before they eventually posted an emphatic 3-0 win. The show moves to Tychy on Tuesday, with England potentially just 180 minutes away from conquering Europe. Old foes Germany start as favourites and have some talent in their ranks with the likes of Serge Gnabry, Maximilian Arnold and Max Meyer performing well in Poland. Gnabry in particular needs to be kept in check; he's already scored a hat trick for the full German national side, and his pace and movement can give any defence problems.
