Confederations Cup: Why each team will or won't win in Russia
The 2017 edition of the Confederations Cup begins on Saturday. Here, theScore addresses the credentials each team has of winning - or slipping up - in Russia.
Mexico
Why Mexico will win: Incredibly, Mexico is the only previous Confederations Cup winner appearing in the tournament, and is awash with experience from the inclusions of Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado, and in-form Carlos Vela. Mexico is undoubtedly a contender.
Why Mexico won't win: Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, usually el goleador for Mexico, suffered an uncharacteristic goal drought for Bayer Leverkusen during the Bundesliga campaign, and was disturbingly quiet against the United States last Sunday. With Vela dropping deeper as the attacking adhesive in Juan Carlos Osorio's system, Chicharito simply needs to fire.
New Zealand
Why New Zealand will win: Some of his recent goals came against teams like Wigan Athletic and Fiji, but Leeds United's Chris Wood has been ruthless in front of net. Incredibly strong and possessing a ferocious shot, the 25-year-old will be desperate to test himself against superior defenders to those he faces most weeks in the Championship.
Why New Zealand won't win: Some will argue the All Whites are the weakest side in Russia, and the achievement that got them to the Confederations Cup - a penalty shootout defeat of Papua New Guinea - isn't exactly earth-shattering. Finishing above any one of Mexico, Portugal, and Russia would mark a huge achievement.
Portugal
Why Portugal will win: For around 13 months, Cristiano Ronaldo has been the most dominant player in world football and, when supplemented by Andre Silva and Bernardo Silva - expensive new hires for AC Milan and Manchester City, respectively - Portugal can forge an irrepressible attack.
Why Portugal won't win: Some stars from the victorious Euro 2016 campaign have faded. Rui Patricio was perhaps left unguarded by Sporting Lisbon's underwhelming backline in 2016-17, but Pepe endured an injury-hit final season at Real Madrid, and Renato Sanches has shuffled from centre-stage and into the broom cupboard at Bayern Munich.
Russia
Why Russia will win: Since its previous moniker - the King Fahd Cup - was ditched for the title of the Confederations Cup in 1997, the host has won three of the seven tournaments. Home comforts can help, and each player in the squad plies his trade in Russia. Krasnodar's Fyodor Smolov - top scorer in each of the last two Russian Premier League seasons - will be key.
Why Russia won't win: The drop in quality of this Russian squad has been huge in recent years. At 37, defensive rock Sergei Ignashevich hasn't appeared for his country since the disastrous Euro 2016 campaign, and there is no instrumental midfield spark like Andrey Arshavin in Stanislav Cherchesov's ranks.
Australia
Why Australia will win: Skippered by 37-year-old Tim Cahill, Australia has a decent case as the next-best side after Portugal, Germany, and Chile. The Socceroos are an exciting group, with Aaron Mooy and the uncompromising Mile Jedinak paired in midfield, and Mathew Ryan challenging Mark Schwarzer as the best Aussie 'keeper over the last 25 years.
Why Australia won't win: It's a quality contingent at Ange Postecoglou's disposal, but there are still dearths in quality. Beyond Cahill are some timid frontmen, and the most recognisable name in the defence is Bailey Wright - and that's only because the Bristol City man mindlessly squandered possession four seconds after kick-off to gift Brazil an early goal in Tuesday's friendly.
Cameroon
Why Cameroon will win: The team spirit evident as the weakest Cameroon squad in years collected the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in February was impressive, and a credit to veteran Belgian boss Hugo Broos' man management skills. Familiar faces - like AFCON Player of the Tournament, Christian Bassogog - will reconvene for the Russian showpiece.
Why Cameroon won't win: Cameroon's AFCON win conveniently coincided with underwhelming showings from Algeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal in Gabon. To expect similar limpness from youthful Germany, Ronaldo-led Portugal, and ever-dangerous Chile is wishful thinking.
Chile
Why Chile will win: Chile's first Confederations Cup venture comes after back-to-back triumphs in the Copa America, and the spine of this team - Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal, and the small-necked brute Gary Medel - can rival any other lineup in the competition.
Why Chile won't win: Juan Antonio Pizzi toyed with different systems in the three friendlies leading up to the tournament, but they didn't provide many conclusions. Chile is a favourite and otherwise so-so players like Eduardo Vargas tend to step up for their country on international duty, but there's still a risk of leaning too heavily on Sanchez and Vidal.
Germany
Why Germany will win: While Portugal has named some experienced players into its squad, 17 of Germany's throng is aged 25 or under. They're a hungry bunch, and stacked with Bundesliga luminaries like Joshua Kimmich, Julian Brandt, and Timo Werner. This could be the strongest roster in the competition.
Why Germany won't win: Joachim Low isn't taking this tournament seriously. The manager said of the Confederations Cup in May: "I probably wouldn't be sad if it didn't take place in 2021."
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)