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The 2017 Confederations Cup begins on Saturday in Russia, a year before the World Cup. Here is what to know, the schedule and standings and what to watch:

What's the Confederations Cup?

The cup is an international competition that was founded in 1992 and is played the year before the World Cup. It pits the holders of each of the six regional championships (UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, AFC, OFC) along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host.

Teams

  • Russia (host)
  • Germany (2014 World Cup winner)
  • Chile (2014 Copa America winner)
  • Portugal (Euro 2016 winner)
  • Mexico (2015 CONCACAF Cup winner)*
  • Cameroon (2017 African Cup of Nations winner)
  • Australia (2015 AFC Asian Cup winner)
  • New Zealand (2016 OFC Nations Cup winner)

Three things to watch

1) Reigning Euro champs led by Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal enter as one of the favorites, and that's because the wave of momentum the player and the country are riding. Ronaldo has been without a doubt the best player in the world over the last year, winning Euro 2016, securing two Champions League titles and pulling off hat tricks like they are nothing. Portugal is still riding high after its first international title, and this team is loaded all over the field, with Ronaldo, Nani and AC Milan newboy Adrian Silva leading the attack. 

2) Mexico representing CONCACAF and aiming for title

Mexico didn't perform well against the United States last week in qualifying, and just maybe the team was looking ahead to the Confederations Cup. El Tri brings a loaded roster that has more than enough to win, but it faces a tough opener against talented Portugal. Mexico has done so well under Juan Carlos Osorio, and they aren't in Russia just for a visit. They are there to make a statement before the World Cup.

3) Don't forget about the World Cup champions, Germany

Oh, and Germany is there too. The reigning World Cup winner appears to be using this cup to groom some of their best young talent. On this roster there is no Manual Neuer, no Mat Hummels, no Leroy Sane, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos or Thomas Muller.

17 players on the team are 25 years old or younger, so this isn't the top German team but it is ready to prove it can still lift the title.

Player whose name you'll know after the cup

Timo Werner. Most hardcore soccer fans know who he is, but if you don't, he is the 21-year-old striker for Bundesliga surprise RB Leipzig. The former Stuttgart man scored 21 goals in his first Bundesliga campaign and is one of the top young strikers in the game. 

Prediction

Final: Mexico over Portugal

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