Why Wales and Portugal might be rooting for Germany
Monday, July 4, 2016
Article summary
Wales and Portugal do not need any more incentive when they face off in Lyon on Wednesday but, well, here's some anyway: winning could be enough to gain entry to another tournament.
Article top media content
Article body
The deal is this: if Germany beat France on Thursday then whoever wins that first semi-final between Portugal and Wales will seal a place in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.
Germany, as FIFA World Cup holders, have an automatic spot in the now traditional tournament held the year before the next World Cup as a prelude. Hosts Russia are also assured of a berth, along with the six winners of the confederation competitions – or, should Germany prevail at UEFA EURO 2016, the runners-up.
- Qualified teams: Russia, Germany, Australia, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand
- To be determined: France, Wales or Portugal, and the winners of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
The eight teams will be drawn into two groups, with the top two in each advancing to the semi-finals. The tournament will be staged between 17 June and 2 July 2017 in four host cities.
Only seven European sides have ever contested the Confederations Cup: Denmark (1995), France (2001, 2003), Germany (1999, 2005), Greece (2005), Italy (2009, 2013), Spain (2009, 2013) and Turkey (2003).