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New Zealand vs Portugal Predictions

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Group A of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup features Portugal, New Zealand, Mexico and the host nation, Russia.

The third round of fixtures in this group could be decisive in who progresses to the semi-final stage, with the top two teams in the group qualifying for the knockout stages. By the time New Zealand and Portugal meet, both teams will know what they need to do to stay in the tournament.

New Zealand were the sixth team to book their place at the 2017 Confederations Cup and did so by defeating Papua New Guinea in the final of the 2016 OFC Nations Cup final. New Zealand needed a penalty shoot-out to claim the win, having been held to a 0-0 draw after extra-time.

Portugal qualified for the 2017 Confederations Cup thanks to their tremendous victory in the 2016 European Championships. They were the seventh team to make it to Russia and did so by defeating France in the final, thanks to a goal in extra-time by Eder.

This will be New Zealand’s fourth appearance in the Confederations Cup whereas it will be a new experience for Portugal, who are making the debut.

1. Bookies Choice - 1X2 Odds

There can be little doubt Portugal are the overwhelming favourites to win this match. Despite what is at stake in terms of qualification for the next stage of the tournament and the players selected by Fernando Santos, Portugal simply have more talent than their opponents. You can back Portugal to win this game at 1.08 with bet365.

New Zealand found life tough in this group and already have been eliminated from the Confederations Cup 2017, losing two games. In their three previous appearances at the Confederations Cup New Zealand have picked up just one point from nine games played. They have finished bottom of their group on all three occasions, with the worst record of any team in each tournament. It is unlikely they are going to win against Portugal and are available at 26.00 to win this match.

The draw is also on offer at sizeable 10.00.

2. New Zealand v Portugal Betting Tips

This match will be all about how long New Zealand can keep Portugal at bay and how much desire Portugal have to win the game. If they need to win the match, expect Portugal to come out and attack from the off, looking to get an early goal. If they do that, the Portuguese could run away with it, as they have done recently against the Faroe Islands, Andorra and Latvia. You can get for Portugal to win the match by 3 clear goals.

If the Portuguese have already booked their place in the semi-finals, expect to see rotation from the manager. Although the quality of the players coming into the starting XI will be superior to anything New Zealand have to offer, the changes may see Portugal struggle to find any rhythm and this could see New Zealand hold on for longer. This is what happened in match with Mexico. bet365 offer for the match to be level at half-time and Portugal to win at full-time.

New Zealand vs Portugal - Best odds
Portugal to Win
Portugal to Win 3-0
HT/FT - Draw/Portugal
Last update: 1498120598
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