Germany have the firepower to lift the Confederations Cup

Confederations Cup final
ITV, 7pm Sunday

Germany arrived at the Confederations Cup without several first-choice players but their talented youngsters have grown as the tournament has progressed and they can finish the job against Chile in St Petersburg.

The final pits Chile, the most experienced team in the tournament, against a youthful and largely second-string Germany.

There are arguments in favour of both teams.

The Chileans are battle-hardened and many of them were part of the squads which won successive Copa America title in 2015 and 2016. They know what it takes to come through tense, high-profile matches and they have a couple of genuine match-winners in Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal.

However, Germany seem to be playing with a sense of freedom and are gaining in confidence and stature with every match.

Joachim Low’s side produced their most unconvincing performance in their first outing, winning 3-2 against Australia.

They moved up a gear when drawing 1-1 with Chile in the group stage and have brushed aside Cameroon 3-1 and Mexico 4-1 to earn their place in the final.

There are lingering doubts over the German defence as they lack an obvious leader. They have yet to keep a clean sheet in four matches and have often had to rely on their attacking players to get them out of trouble.

However, there is no reason why that pattern cannot continue. Some of Germany’s football has been a joy to watch with several players enhancing their reputations over the last fortnight.

The shining lights have been Leipzig striker Timo Werner and Schalke attacking midfielder Leon Goretzka, who have netted three goals each and are emerging as strong contenders to return to Russia next summer for the World Cup.

Both were on target in the semi-final victory over Mexico which was more evenly matched than the three-goal victory margin suggests.

But Germany were ruthless with their finishing and could rely on a strong performance from goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who responded well after making a bad mistake in the success over Cameroon.

Germany won the Mexico match with a lightning-fast start which produced two Goretzka strikes inside the first eight minutes
but they are also finishing games well. They notched in the 81st minute against Cameroon and in injury-time against the Mexicans.

Having so many young players is a boost to their energy levels and may give them a crucial advantage over Chile, whose ageing team have been involved in four high-intensity matches.

The Chileans put a huge effort into their semi-final with Portugal and got their reward when goalkeeper Claudio Bravo saved three kicks in the shootout.

However, the period of extra-time was a mental and physical drain on tired bodies and it is doubtful whether three days of rest will have been enough to recharge their batteries.

Germany were in action a day later against Mexico but played sensible, counter-attacking football from the ninth minute onwards and their better physical well-being could be key to them lifting the trophy.

Recommendation
Germany
2pts 6-4 general

Already advised
Chile to win Confederations Cup
2pts 3-1 (July 17)

Team news
Chile
No fresh injuries were reported after the penalty shootout success over Portugal.

Germany
Timo Werner should continue up front. Joachim Low has changed his back three for every match and must decide whether to recall experienced defender Shkodran Mustafi.

Key stat
Germany are unbeaten in 14 matches since Euro 2016