Benfica intention to gather their first win of the 2025 Membership World Cup once they face Auckland Metropolis on Friday at Exploria Stadium in Orlando. Whereas the Portuguese giants look to construct on a dramatic draw towards Boca Juniors, Auckland should recuperate from essentially the most lopsided defeat in match historical past.
Match Overview
Benfica’s Group C opener noticed them come from two targets down to grab some extent towards Boca Juniors. A penalty from Angel Di Maria and a late equaliser from captain Nicolas Otamendi, who had a hand in each targets, helped salvage a 2-2 attract a heated contest the place each groups completed with fewer than 11 gamers.
Now trying to keep away from a bottleneck within the qualification race with Bayern Munich looming subsequent, Benfica know a commanding win over Auckland Metropolis is crucial—not only for factors, however for aim distinction.
Auckland, in the meantime, arrive at this conflict bruised after a brutal 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich. Their defensive frailties had been uncovered inside the first 20 minutes, and they’ll now look to include additional harm towards one other European heavyweight.
With eight straight defeats on the Membership World Cup since their shock third-place end in 2014, the New Zealanders are as soon as once more out of their depth at this stage.
Crew Information
Benfica stay with out Alexander Bah and Manu Silva resulting from harm, whereas Andrea Belotti serves a suspension following his crimson card towards Boca. Supervisor Bruno Lage could decide to rotate, particularly with a decisive remaining group match towards Bayern forward.
Key midfielder Orkun Kokcu might be rested once more resulting from health considerations, however ahead Vangelis Pavlidis—who was concerned in 26 targets in Portugal’s prime flight final season—is predicted to guide the road, supported by Kerem Akturkoglu and Andreas Schjelderup.
Auckland Metropolis are anticipated to stay with a conservative five-man again line to restrict harm. Goalkeeper Conor Tracey ought to be in for an additional busy night time, whereas Myer Bevan will carry their hopes of a uncommon aim. Futsal star Dylan Manickum and midfielder Mario Ilich may even characteristic prominently in a aspect set to defend deep.
Tactical Evaluate
Benfica’s excessive possession, attacking type ought to dominate proceedings, with their fluid entrance three anticipated to seek out pleasure towards Auckland’s deep defensive block. Di Maria and Otamendi’s expertise might be very important in steering the crew via early resistance.
Auckland will depend on compact defending and set items however might want to enhance their urgent and transitions in the event that they hope to keep away from one other rout.
Easy methods to Watch
Followers can catch this Group C conflict dwell on FIFA+, Sport TV, and ESPN+ (U.S.), with kickoff set for 8:00 PM native time (1:00 AM WAT).
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Benfica 6-0 Auckland Metropolis
Benfica will look to make a press release and pad their aim distinction, realizing it might be essential. Auckland could enhance defensively, however one other heavy defeat appears seemingly given the disparity in high quality and expertise.
