New Zealand vs Portugal – Confederations Cup – Preview

Posted on June 24, 2017 by Sreya

New Zealand vs Portugal – New Zealand face Portugal at the Stadion Krestovskyi on 24th June, Saturday in the final Group A game of the Confederations Cup.

The 2016 UEFA Euro champions began their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Mexico and followed it up with a 1-0 win over Russia. They are favorites to qualify for the semi-finals but will need a win tonight to guarantee their berth in the last four.

New Zealand have lost both of their first two matches, conceding twice in each of the games. The Kiwis, already eliminated from the race for the semi-finals, will look to finish on a high but start tonight’s match as underdogs.

Team News

New Zealand do not have any injury or suspension concerns but Raphael Guerreiro will miss out for Portugal.

New Zealand Possible Starting Lineup: Stefan Marinovic, Michael Boxall, Andrew Durante, Tommy Smith, Kip Colvey, Ryan Thomas, Michael McGlinchey, Deklan Wynne, Marco Rojas, Chris Wood, Kosta Barbarouses.

Portugal Possible Starting Lineup: Rui Patricio, Cedric Soares, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Elisieu, Bernardo Silva, Adrien Silva, William Carvalho, Andre Gomes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andre Silva.

“We have a gameplan that we’re going to stick to. We’re not overawed by it. We’re looking forward to it. We’re not just going there to play against Portugal and Ronaldo, we’re going there to get a result.”

– Anthony Hudson, New Zealand.

“Everybody wants to watch Cristiano Ronaldo, even I want to watch Cristiano Ronaldo! I don’t know if I’m going to play with Cristiano or not, I’m not going to tell you anything about the line-up. I don’t want the opponents to know. Rotation will take place, that’s what I can tell you.”

– Fernando Santos, Portugal.

Contributor’s Pick

According to New Zealand vs Portugal H2H Stats, these two countries have never played each other before. A 2-0 win for Portugal is the most likely result.