It’s the final round of group stage games in the Confederations Cup. The groups are being finalised and the group winners and runners up will soon be revealed.

Last time out, Neymar and Jo helped Brazil pick up three points in a 2-0 win against Mexico, Japan and Italy battled it out in a seven goal thriller, which Italy came out on top winning 4-3. Spain thrashed Tahiti 10-0, the highest ever margin of victory in the Confederations Cup history, and Uruguay narrowly defeated Nigeria thanks to a Diego Forlan screamer.

The final games of the group stage include Japan vs Mexico, Italy vs

Brazil, Nigeria vs Spain and Uruguay vs Tahiti. Here are my predictions.

Saturday

Japan vs Mexico – Both of these teams have been eliminated from the Confederations Cup so there isn’t much to play for other than pride and honour. Japan fought hard against Italy in their previous game and they nearly came out of it with a win. This fighting spirit will carry on into this game, especially from Honda as he seeks to find a new club and is available on a free transfer. Mexico will be looking for a win too after close(ish) games against Italy and Brazil. Dos Santos and Hernandez will look to give Mexico something nice to go out on and I think they will be able to do so too. Japan 1-2 Mexico.

Italy vs Brazil – This is my game to watch out of these four as it’s a battle for the top of the group. Hosts Brazil will look to finish on top with the likes of Neymar providing the goals once again. However, Italy is a much stronger side than Mexico and Japan. Buffon won’t be allowing easy goals I guarantee, after his reasonably poor performance against Japan where he conceded three goals. Balotelli will keep the game tight by finding his way onto the score sheet, but I think another late goal (possibly Jo?) will give the hosts the win and first place in the group. Brazil hasn’t lost against Italy since 1982 and I see that run continuing this Saturday. Italy 1-2 Brazil.

Sunday

Nigeria vs Spain – Nigeria put on a good display against Uruguay, but it wasn’t good enough to earn them a win. Now they must win against the world champions if they are to have a chance of advancing to the latter stages of the tournament. Spain are in top form as usual and I can’t see them losing this game, which means Nigeria have to hope Tahiti defeat Uruguay by an amount of goals which would allow them to qualify. That prediction is just below but I think you already know what the outcome will be of that game. Nigeria 1-3 Spain.

Tahiti vs Uruguay – Uruguay haven’t fulfilled my expectation of them at this tournament, so hopefully this game will boost their confidence and get them on the right track. Cavani will need to find the net in this game after missing two sitters against Nigeria. An opponent like Tahiti should make it easy for him to do so. Tahiti won’t give up without a fight. They might not have the skill, but they have proven against Spain and Nigeria that they have the spirit. I don’t think they will be able to pick up a win or draw, which means Uruguay advance to the semi-finals. Tahiti 0-7 Uruguay.

Predictions by Conor Porter

Twitter – @ConorJPorter

Other blogs – http://conorporter.blogspot.co.uk/ & http://nflmad.wordpress.com/

Email – conorporter@live.co.uk

Comments

comments