Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for live coverage of the Confederations Cup final between Chile and Germany! Germany are stalwarts of the latter stages of competitions, but Chile are developing their own reputation for collecting trophies in recent years, so this promises to be a very intriguing affair tonight. Before we have a look at both nations, though, let's first check out the team needs...

CHILE STARTING XI: Bravo; Isla, Medel, Jara, Beausejour; Aranguiz, Diaz, Hernandez; Vargas, Vidal, Sanchez

CHILE SUBS: Rodriguez, Silva, Fuenzalida, Mena, Puch, Valencia, Sagal, Roco, Herrera, Gutierrez, P.Diaz, Toselli

GERMANY STARTING XI: Ter Stegen; Mustafi, Ginter, Rudiger; Hector, Rudy, Goretzka, Kimmich; Draxler, Werner, Stindl

GERMANY SUBS: Can, Brandt, Younes, Wagner, Sule, Henrichs, Leno, Demirbay, Plattenhardt, Trapp

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, Chile have opted for an unchanged XI following their semi-final victory over Portugal on penalties having picked up no new injury concerns during that game. The fact that they went through a full 120 minutes and then the penalty shootout may have raised the question of one or two changes for Pizzi, but instead he has kept faith with the same starting lineup.

It is a starting lineup which will see star player Alexis Sanchez lead the line, and he has already made a slice of history against Germany in this year's competition. His early goal in the group stage meeting between the two sides was his 38th for his country, taking him out on his own above Marcelo Salas as Chile's highest ever goalscorer. No player has won more caps for Chile than Sanchez either, with the Arsenal man turning out for his country for the 115th time tonight.

The only person who can match that tally is Claudio Bravo, and he also wins cap number 115 today. The Manchester City goalkeeper will lead his side out as captain having been largely responsible for them getting into the final courtesy of his three penalty shootout saves against Portugal. He has had his criticism since his move to England, but he is now on the verge of leading Chile to a third international honour in three years - no mean feat.

Medel and Jara are two more centurions in this experienced Chile lineup, while Vidal, Isla and Beausejour are all winning their 95th caps for their country tonight. It is a group of players who all know each other very well, then, and that has helped them to forge a fearsome unit as a team. Couple that with the individual talents of a Sanchez or a Vidal and it is easy to see why they have enjoyed so much success of late.

Germany are on the other end of the experience spectrum, with Joachim Low having selected a young squad for this competition - the youngest at the Confederations Cup in fact, with an average age of just 24. There are plenty of players in the side with big-game experience already under their belts, though, and this is a chance for them to get another international trophy in the cabinet following their World Cup success in 2014.

Low has made just the one change to the side that cruised past Mexico so comfortably in the semi-finals, with Arsenal's Shkodran Mustafi coming in to replace Henrichs. Mustafi will be one of those charged with stopping his club teammate Alex Sanchez alongside the likes of Ginter and Rudiger, with Germany expected to continue with three at the back. Kimmich, meanwhile, moves forward into midfield for this one.

Kimmich is one of a number of very talented young players at Germany's disposal at the moment, and there are plenty stepping up to the plate at this tournament. Goretzka did exactly that in the semi-final with two goals inside the opening eight minutes to set Germany well and truly on their way to this showpiece event, and he will be hoping to wreak more havoc alongside captain Julian Draxler and co this evening.

It is Timo Werner who currently leads the race for the Golden Boot, and it looks most likely that it will end up as a German player. Werner has three goals and one assist to his name to top the leaderboard as things stand, narrowly ahead of Goretzka, who has three goals but no assists. Stindl is also in the mix with two goals but no assists.

There are plenty of dangers throughout this Germany team, then, but Chile will feel confident that they can nullify those having already done so to a large extent during their earlier meeting in the group stages. Chile boast the joint-best defence at the entire tournament, conceding just two goals from their four outings. It is their finishing at the other end which has let them down a little at times, though, scoring only four goals.

There were a lot of wasted chances in their semi-final against Portugal, which Chile may feel never should have even reached the penalty shootout. Somehow the game ended 0-0, though, and Bravo was the hero of the hour in the shootout with three saves. Chile were faultless themselves and quickly built up an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Remarkably, Chile have got to the final despite having won just one match inside 90 minutes in the entire tournament so far, and that was in their opening game against Cameroon. Draws against Germany and Australia followed, but that was still enough to see them through to the semi-finals where they needed that penalty shootout against Portugal. Tonight would be the ideal time to get that second win, but they certainly haven't stormed into this final.

Indeed, Chile actually finished below Germany in the group stages, with their one win and two draws leaving them two points adrift of Die Mannschaft. Australia were a further three points back, though, so it wasn't a close-run things for them to reach the semi-finals despite some rather indifferent results. It is not often a team goes into a final of the major tournament having failed to win their last three games.

Defeat tonight would make it four in a row without a win for the first time since November 2012, when they went on a five-match losing streak. The win over Cameroon in the opening game is also Chile's only triumph in their last six outings inside 90 minutes, so Chile are not in the best form coming into this game. A good time for Germany to face them, perhaps.

Having said that, Chile do seem to know how to get the job done in tournaments nowadays. The 2015 Copa America title ended their long wait for silverware, and they followed that up with another Copa America crown one year later, beating Argentina in the final on both occasions. Victory tonight, then, would see them win a third major title in as many years.

This is the first time Chile have ever been involved in the Confederations Cup, and after this they will resume their quest to make it to next summer's World Cup. Their qualification campaign is very tense at the moment, with Chile currently occupying the final spot and Argentina facing a playoff. Just two points separate second from fifth, though, so a lot can change in that table before they find out if they have made it.

Germany are having no such trouble in their qualifying group, winning all six of their matches so far, scoring 27 goals and conceding just one in the process. It would take a very unlikely set of results to prevent Germany from reaching the World Cup, and from there we all know what they can do. For now, though, their focus must be on the only major trophy that has eluded them so far - the Confederations Cup.

Germany's previous best performance in this competition came in their most recent appearance when they finished third in 2005, and this 'senior' side are looking to make it a very productive few days for the German national team having seen the Under-21s surprisingly beat Spain in the final of the European Championships on Friday. There certainly seem to be a lot of good young Germans coming through, and the future looks bright for them.

Germany come into this match unbeaten in 14 games since their semi-final exit from Euro 2016 at the hands of hosts France, winning 11 of those matches and drawing three. That includes four wins from their last five outings, but the only team to prevent them from running out victorious in that time was Chile in the group stages. When it comes to the formbook for tonight's game, though, it points firmly in the direction of Germany.

The most recent of those 14 unbeaten matches came in the semi-final against Mexico when Germany just blitzed them in the opening 10 minutes, building an early two-goal lead thanks to a brace from Goretzka. Werner added a third in the second half and, while Fabian pulled one back for Mexico, Germany had the last laugh through Younes.

The group stages weren't quite as straightforward for the whole of it, with Australia giving the world champions a really good game in their opener. That one ended 3-2 to Germany before they went on to draw with Chile, but they were back to something approaching their best for a 3-1 triumph over Cameroon in their third and final group game.

The concern for Germany right now will be that they have only kept one clean sheet in the the past seven matches having had seven in a row before that, and that solitary clean sheet came against San Marino too. There have been no such problems at the other end of the field, where Germany have scored 18 goals in their last five games and 42 in their 14-match unbeaten

PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes away from kickoff at the Krestovsky Stadium, which means that it is time for a prediction! This is a difficult one to call, with the tournament's best attack taking on its best defence. It should be a cracker of a game whatever the outcome, but for me I am going for a 2-0 Germany win!

As I have already mentioned, these two sides met each other in the group stages of this competition, playing out a 1-1 draw as Stindl cancelled out Sanchez's early opener. Chile have not beaten Germany since 1968, incidentally, losing three and drawing one of the four since. Overall, Chile have only even won twice in eight previous meetings with Germany.

Germany had won all three competition matches between these two sides, all of which came at the World Cup, prior to that group stage draw which finally saw Chile get their first point on the board in a tournament against Die Mannschaft.

Right, the players are out and we're almost ready to go now! Just time for the anthems and the handshakes and then we should be off!

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Chile get us underway for the Confederations Cup final!

Chile opened the scoring after just six minutes in the group stage meeting between the two sides, and they have started the brighter again here. They are on top in the very early exchanges.

Very nearly an early chance for Chile as Aranguiz breaks into the box and looks set to let fly under Rudiger wins possession with a crucial and well-timed challenge.

SHOT! Chile are pressing Germany really well in these opening exchanges and they win the ball inside the German half again here. Vidal carries it forward and can't resist a pop at goal, but his low drive bounces wide.

Chile just aren't giving Germany any time on the ball whatsoever. They are hounding Low's side all over the park and not letting them get into any sort of rhythm.

SHOT! Another shooting chance for Chile as Sanchez knocks the ball down for Vargas, who tries a swerving volley from more than 25 yards out. He fires his effort well over, but Chile are certainly looking the most likely at the moment.

SAVE! The Germans aren't doing themselves too many favours with their passing from the back. Goretzka is the latest to give the ball away in a very dangerous position and this time Vargas does get his shot on target, but Ter Stegen is behind it.

Germany are finally able to play through the Chile press for the first time tonight and a cross comes into the box, but Aranguiz has done well to track back and nod it over for a corner.

CHANCE! Half a chance from the resulting corner as Mustafi rises to meet it, but he can't steer his header on target. A difficult one, but that goes down as a sight of goal.

More nice football from Chile in and around the Germany box and Vargas has the chance to tee a teammate up, but he puts too much on his layoff and the opportunity breaks down.

CHANCE! Chile work a free kick really well down the right flank and the ball eventually falls to Isla, but he gets his effort all wrong and slices it away. That is a waste of a really good chance there.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Chile to take the lead as Ter Stegen spills Vidal's at the feet of Sanchez, but he can only turn it back into the middle rather than converting the rebound himself and yet another clear sight of goal goes begging.

It has been all Chile so far tonight, but against the run of play it is Germany who have taken the lead! It is a gift from Chile as Diaz doesn't look over his shoulder when on the edge of his own box and is caught in possession by Werner. That sends Werner into the box with only the keeper to beat, but he unselfishly knocks the ball square for Stindl to tap home.

Less than a minute earlier Chile could - and perhaps should - have been ahead, but they were punished ruthlessly by Germany. They will be scratching their heads at how they are losing this game.

CHANCE! Almost a quick response from Chile as they get down the right flank and clip the ball into the middle for Aranguiz, but he doesn't connect well enough. Another very presentable opportunity, that.

Chile have enjoyed 64% possession in this match so far, but once again they are struggling to put the ball in the back of the net. It was the same against Portugal, but now they must also get on the scoresheet courtesy of that Germany goal.

Here is that gift of an opening goal...

Germany take advantage of a Chile error to net the opener - watch LIVE on @ITV pic.twitter.com/AH8OHOgCSw — ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 2, 2017

Kimmich goes down inside the area following a tangle with Beausejour, but the referee pays it little heed and, in fairness to the German, there was no appeal from him as he was on his way down anyway.

SHOT! Vidal once again works himself a bit of room to let fly from outside the area, but his shot is always rising and flies well over. Vidal hasn't quite brought his shooting boots with him so far.

This is very interesting to see Germany being thoroughly outplayed at the moment. They may have the lead, but Germany have been second best from start to finish.

CHANCE! Germany spring into life again and come close to doubling their advantage. Rudy slides a lovely ball through for Goretzka, who takes it in his path on the right channel before flashing a low strike across the facer of goal and just past the far post.

This time Werner is picked out inside the area but as he tries to take the ball down that gives the defence time to get back and put a foot in. Better from Germany now.

CLOSE! Having been on the back foot for the vast majority of this game it is Germany who are looking most likely. Werner collects the ball down the left and cuts a low pass towards the edge of the box where Draxler is storming in only to place his finish past the near post.

Chile will be desperate to get a goal before half time as they really do not deserve to going into the break behind. Germany are unlikely to be dominated like this throughout another half either.

Half a chance for Chile as Isla wins the ball really well on the right before floating a cross into the middle which Sanchez attacks really well, but he can't steer his header on target.

CHANCE! If Chile do lose this one, it is looking like it may be because of mistakes. They almost gift Germany another one here as Jara gives the ball away on the edge of his own area, allowing Germany to burst into life immediately. The ball is played down the left side of the box for Goretzka, but he keeps it on his right foot and Bravo makes a big save from close range. Huge chance.

The referee brings an end to the first half of this Confederations Cup final, and somehow at the halfway stage it is Germany who have the advantage. Chile have been by far the better team for the most part, but one mistake has cost them as things stand, with Germany being clinical where Chile have not.

The only goal of the game so far arrived after 20 minutes, and it came as a gift for Germany as the usually reliable Diaz turned into trouble and was robbed of possession on the edge of his own area. Werner was the man to nick the ball, and he then unselfishly played a square ball to Stindl, who was left with the easiest of tap-ins.

It is Chile who have created the majority of the chances, though, with the likes of Sanchez, Vargas and Aranguiz all squandering decent sights of goal. They will be wondering just how they trail at half time, but their performance in that opening 45 minutes will at least give them hope that they are still very much in this game. They just need to start being a little more ruthless in front of goal.

Germany have had other chances of their own too, though, and they almost doubled their lead right on the stroke of half time after another defensive error from Chile. This time Bravo came to his side's rescue, though, denying Goretzka from close range after Jara gave the ball away. Goretzka came close a little earlier in the half too, while Draxler fizzed a measured finish narrowly past the post too.

KICKOFF: Germany get us back underway for the second half of this Confederations Cup final!

Chile seem to have picked up where they left off quite quickly here. They are again on the front foot and Germany are struggling to get out in the opening exchanges of this second half.

Good defending from Isla, who has had a really good game so far tonight. He stands up and times his challenge perfectly to dispossess Werner. It was a little risky as he went to ground inside the penalty area, but the timing made it a very good tackle.

Chile are such a workmanlike team, but with the quality to punish you when their pressing pays off. They have not allowed Germany to settle into any sort of rhythm tonight.

CHILE SUB: The first change of the day sees Leonardo Valencia replace Diaz.

CHANCE! Crucial block from Jara to keep Chile perhaps in this game! Draxler turns on the afterburners as he bursts down the left channel and into the box, but Jara throws himself in the way of the shot, diverting the ball wide of the target.

Almost a chance for Germany again as Hector swings a beauty of the ball into the box for Mustafi. It is very crowded in there, though, and his header is blocked before Chile eventually smuggle it away.

YELLOW CARDS! The first cards of the night as shown to clubmates Kimmich and Vidal after a brief shoving match between the pair.

It's all getting a bit feisty at the moment. Chile are a very combative team and it looks like they are beginning to get under Germany's skin.

This is a naughty one from Jara. He catches Werner with an elbow, and he clearly meant it to. The referee is initially about to let play continue, but the VAR seems to have flagged it up. Jara could be walking here!

YELLOW CARD! This is bizarre. It is a clear elbow and once it is seen by the referee, who went to check the incident out for himself as part of the VAR review, he only produces a yellow card. It may have been worth that wait for a red card - which in truth it should have been - but not a yellow.

Jara had the audacity to give sarcastic applause to the VAR officials after that yellow card. He is a lucky boy yo still be on this field, and that decision may have even kept Chile in with a chance of winning this one.

Decide for yourselves about that Jara yellow card. It is a red for me - he seems to know exactly what he is doing and there is excessive force there too...

Jara is booked after a VAR consultation. Right decision? Watch LIVE on ITV pic.twitter.com/WzDMz4xlxh — ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 2, 2017

We're into the last 20 minutes now and, while Chile haven't been quite as dominant in the second half as they were in the first, they are still looking the most likely to get the next goal. Could we be in for extra time?

Almost a chance for Sanchez as pounces on a loose ball inside the area, pushing the ball into shooting space before letting fly, but that space is quickly shut down and Rudy makes an important block.

CHANCE! Chile are knocking on the door now! Vargas comes close to an equaliser as he collects Aranguiz's pass in the box before hitting a low strike towards goal on the turn which is straight at the keeper.

CHANCE! Another big chance for Chile as the pressure mounts! This time Germany take too long over clearing a low ball into the box and Sanchez nips in to win it back. The ball then drops for Vidal, who balloons his effort well over the top when he should have done better.

Another VAR-related stoppage to the game as Chile request one for a penalty shout on Sanchez as he nipped in to win the ball before Vidal blasted over. No change to the referee's decision, though.

GERMANY SUB: Germany make their first change of the evening as Emre Can replaces Werner.

SAVE! Ter Stegen is called into action again here, taking no chances in tipping a low strike from Aranguiz around the post even though it may have been going wide anyway.

CHILE SUBS: Double change from Chile as Vargas and Aranguiz are replaced by Edson Puch and Anyelo Sagal.

SAVE! Valencia tries his luck from a difficult angle, but he is never going to beat Ter Stegen at his near post. Ter Stegen's handling is actually not that good in this instance, but there is no-one waiting to take advantage.

CHANCE! The two subs who have just come on combine and it really should be 1-1! It is brilliant from Puch as he darts in front of Ter Stegen to win the ball and poke it back for Sagal. The ball is begging to be put in from close range with Ter Stegen out of position, but Sagal leans back and blazes his effort a long way over the crossbar.

Time is really beginning to run out for Chile. They are playing with the urgency you would expect from a team in their position, but in doing so they are giving a few niggly fouls away which is only helping Germany to waste more time.

CHANCE! Lovely football from Germany as they patiently knock the ball about, working a way through the defence. The ball is eventually clipped into the box, but Draxler gets his head to it and takes it away from Rudy in a much better position.

YELLOW CARDS! Farcical moment as Can falls on the ball and keeps it in his grasp while about four Chile players are grabbing at him and trying to get the ball. Low comes onto the pitch to calm things down, and Can and Bravo end up in the book.

There will be five minutes of added time at the end of this match.

GERMANY SUB: A late change from Germany sees Niklas Sule replace Goretzka.

YELLOW CARD! Rudy is the latest player in the book for a late challenge on Vidal.

Big chance for Chile - they have a free kick in a very dangerous position. Sanchez, it is over to you...

SAVE! It is a fine effort from Sanchez as he gets it on target and Ter Stegen sees it later, but still manages to get down and push it away.

The referee brings an end to the final then as Germany hold out against the late Chile pressure to clinch their first ever Confederations Cup title. Lars Stindl got the only goal of the game in St Petersburg to pull off a big win in the careers of this young German side, many of whom will have put their names in contention for the World Cup squad with their performances this summer.

Right, that is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's match as Germany win the Confederations Cup courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Chile. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction too. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!