Confederations Cup: 3 dark horses

The Confederations Cup kicks off Saturday, June 17. Here are three dark horse who could win the tournament.

The 2017 Confederations Cup kicks off on Saturday, June 17. With World Cup winners Germany and European champions Portugal, led by World Player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo, unlikely to sneak under anyone’s radar, let’s take a look at three possible winners not named Germany or Portugal.

Russia

The host nation may not have impressed in international tournaments since making it to the Euro 2008 semifinals, but with a new generation of young players and the advantage of home turf, Russia should be among the favorites. Their roster features long time regulars like goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and midfielder Yuri Zhirkov, alongside younger upstarts such as defenders Georgy Dzhikiya and Ilya Kutepov, who helped Spartak Moscow to the Russian title this season. Injuries to experienced midfielders Alan Dzagoev and Roman Zobnin will hurt the depth and experience of the squad but a relatively easy group containing New Zealand, Portugal and a Mexico team hit by injuries could see the Russians through to the semifinals. From then on, anything’s possible.

Mexico

With a roster largely built on experience and proven talent, Mexico should be one of the teams that leaves a positive mark at this edition of the Confederations Cup. Benefitting from the leadership of 38-year-old Rafa Marquez and having the talented Carlos Vela return to action in midfield, the Mexican team looks ready to challenge for the Confederations Cup. The Portugal-based trio of Miguel Layun, Hector Herrera and Raul Jimenez alongside Andres Guardado stack the creative talent deck in El Tri‘s favor. Mexico open up as an underdog against Portugal on Sunday, June 18. If they manage a win or tie in spite of the long travel and adjustment to the time zone, it would allow the Mexican team time to gel and hit their stride as they look for a top two finish in their group.

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Chile

Chile might just have the most impressive roster of all the teams headed to the Confederations Cup. They feature big names such as Alexis Sanchez and Alexis Vidal as well as “glue”-type players who played a major part in Chile’s Copa America-winning campaign in 2015, such as Gary Medel and Eduardo Vargas, alongside veteran goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. After manager Jorge Sampaoli’s departure from the team, La Roja have maintained their suffocating, high-pressing style and integrated a few youngsters in order to maintain their successful recipe of high-tempo, quick passing soccer. Despite being drawn in a tricky group alongside Germany, Cameroon and Australia, the Chilean golden generation looks to add another major title to their trophy cabinet. They’re not exactly the darkest of horses, but in a tournament of only eight teams containing the World and European champions, they qualify as an outside candidate.