The second semi-final of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup takes place on Thursday in Sochi, where reigning World Champions Germany take on Mexico. The two teams have last met at the 2005 Confederations Cup and produced a spectacular match, which Germany won 4-3 after extra time thanks to a goal from Michael Ballack. Germany have beaten Mexico in all four direct encounters, but two of them needed extra time or penalties to be settled.
Even with an experimental young squad, Joachim Loew's Germany pulled through to the semi-finals after securing two wins and a draw in the group stage. There is reason for concern regarding the team's performances as they have conceded goals in each of the three group stage matches: won 3-2 against Australia, drew 1-1 with Chile and beat Cameroon 3-1. Head coach Joachim Loew has changed his first eleven for every group match but now he will probably field his strongest starting team.
Mexico have proven a tough nut to crack once again, they started the Confederations Cup with a good 2-2 draw against European Champions Portugal and then beat both New Zealand and host nation Russia 2-1. They are undefeated in their last eleven competitive matches, the last time they lost was against Chile at the 2016 Copa America. Andres Guardado is suspended for the semi-finals due to accumulating yellow cards, Carlos Salcedo is out with a shoulder injury, while Chicharito, Hector Moreno and Diego Reyes are all fitness doubts.
Probable line-ups:
Germany: Ter Stegen - Ginter, Mustafi, Rudiger - Kimmich, Rudy, Can, Hector - Draxler, Goretzka - Werner
Mexico: Ochoa - Moreno, Araujo, Alanis - Damm, Santos, Reyes, Aquino - Fabian - Chicharito, Jimenez
My prediction: Germany to win 2-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Germany win - 2.05
Draw - 3.60
Mexico win - 3.80
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