With one match left for each of the eight nations in the Confederations Cup and no team yet qualified for the semifinals, the competition is tighter than Andy Carroll's man bun.
Despite sitting atop Group A after its less-than-convincing win over New Zealand, Mexico could go home early if results don’t go El Tri’s way. And while Germany and Chile are, as expected, in comfortable positions in Group B after their sedate draw Thursday, Australia and Cameroon are both still alive.
Only New Zealand cannot advance to the semifinals (the top two in each group move on), while Mexico, Portugal, Germany and Chile all can play for draws to reach the next round.
Head to head doesn’t matter when determining tie breakers, with points, goal differential and goals scored the primary criteria.
Here’s a breakdown of what each country needs to do to advance.
Group A
Group A standings. Photo: @FIFAcom | Twitter
Saturday’s Matches (both at 11 a.m. EST)
Mexico vs. Russia; New Zealand vs. Portugal
Mexico: The group leaders (by virtue of more goals scored) could lose and still advance, but a win or draw against Russia clinches a berth in the semifinals. However, if El Tri loses and Portugal wins, draws, loses by fewer goals or loses by the same number of goals but scores more, Mexico is out. A Mexico loss and Portugal loss by more goals or by scoring the same number or fewer goals than Mexico will see CONCACAF’s champions advance.
Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo’s team is in strong position to move on, only needing a draw against last-place New Zealand, the only team of the eight in Russia without a point to its name. As mentioned above, Portugal can advance with a loss if Mexico loses by more goals or by scoring fewer goals, but a win would be the safest bet. A loss combined with a Mexico-Russia tie would send Ronaldo home.
Russia: The host nation realistically needs to beat Mexico to ensure its spot in the semifinals. However, Russia could advance with a draw if New Zealand beats Portugal.
New Zealand: The Kiwis are playing for pride on Saturday against Portugal. They’ll no doubt be eager to compete against one of the world’s best players, but they’ll be heading home shortly thereafter.
Group B
Group B standings. Photo: @FIFAcom | Twitter
Sunday’s Matches (both at 11 a.m. EST)
Germany vs. Cameroon; Chile vs. Australia
Chile: The champions of CONMEBOL advance with a win or draw over Australia and can advance with a loss as long as they maintain superior goal differential.
Germany: Germany is in essentially the same boat as Chile, needing a win or draw over Cameroon to advance, but knowing a small loss could still see the world champions through.
Australia: The Socceroos must win by at least two goals to have a shot at progressing.
Cameroon: Like Australia, the African champions must win and win big. Cameroon will need a victory by three or more goals against Germany to move on.
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