The Confederations Cup started in 1992 as the King Fahd Cup in Saudi Arabia with Alfio 'Bobo' Basile's Argentina winning the inaugural edition with a comprehensive 3-1 win over hosts, Saudi Arabia in the final. Fernando Redondo was the star of the tournament. Since then, seven other editions have been contested, with Brazil coming out on top in three and Mexico, Denmark, and France (2) sharing the other four. No African team has managed to win it, although a Samuel Eto'o spearheaded Indomitable Lions of Cameroon pushed eventual Champions France in the 2003 final, until they eventually caved in. Thierry Henry, the difference in that tightly contested battle. When the name was officially changed to the FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP in 1997, then World Cup winners, Brazil came into the tournament with some of the deadliest footballers ever witnessed and they deservedly hoisted their maiden crown at this level in comprehensive fashion. A 6-0 demolition of Australia in the final was a fitting end to an amazing campaign for the Selecao. The R & R partnership delivered hat-tricks each to obliterate the Aussies in one of the most one-sided finals the World will ever see. Ronaldo and Romario need no further introduction, do they? Denilson was voted player of the competition. Fast forward to 2013 and the Samba boys of Brazil still hold the Confederations Cup. The double defending Champions came back from 2-0 down in the 2009 final to down the United States 3-2. A comeback sparked by 2005 Ballon D'Or, Ricardo Kaka, who was voted player of the tournament. However, this Brazilian team cannot be confident of a 3rd straight Trophy even if they are playing in front of their own fans.
GROUP A
Unarguably and unmistakably, this is the GROUP OF DEATH as it is so-called in situations like this. Hosts-Brazil take on Euro 2012 runners-up, Italy, CONCACAF and Olympic Champions, Mexico, and Asian Champions, Japan. A very tough journey to at least reach the semi-finals. On paper, no one is favourite to advance in my view. They are all worthy opponents capable of beating the very best in the game.
The Yellow army of South America are bidding to win their 4th Confed Cup and third on the bounce. They will open proceedings on Saturday against the blue Samurai of Japan who, a few days ago, became became the first team (other than the Host nation) to qualify for next year's World Cup when an injury time Honda penalty sent the fans into delirium. Prior to the France win, Brazil had only managed one win in six under Felipao. All that changed when France came to town. A 3-0 defeat was what Les Blues could take away from football's most successful Nation. Oscar, Lucas Moura and Hernanes on the score sheet for the World Cup hosts. That will be a confidence boost(er) leading to Saturday's game v the blue Samurai who have consistently shown that they can mix it up with the big boys. With Shinji Kagawa and the rest of the gang, the Selecao have their hands full for sure. Barcelona's new recruit and one of the most talented footballers of his generation, Neymar, has to deliver in this competition or else tongues will start wagging. Silencing the critics while doing your very best is the sweetest way to gain recognition and respect. LFS opted against calling Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ramires, Robinho, Rafael da Silva and a lot more.....going for youth instead. Hope it pays off in the end.
La Nazionale know that a repeat of that insipid performance in the European title match last June will spell doom for everyone associated with the four time World Champions. That 4-0 drubbing is still fresh in the players minds and will serve as a motivational tool to right the wrongs of one year ago. They have choice footballers to pick from and the trio of Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli have been nicknamed 'Wall' by journos. That wall must not fall when the likes of Fred, Kagawa and Chicharito come kicking. Andrea Pirlo was run ragged by Bastian Schweinsteiger a few months ago. He must be gladdened by the fact that Germany didn't qualify for the tourney. NO? Before he worries about Spain and Xavi, he must show the younger players in the other teams how to control a game from his perspective which is one of the most recommended in the game. Super Mario Balotelli was sent-off in the Czech Republic match last time out, but will hope to carry his 12 goals in 13 games form to Brazil. On his day, he can change any game. Germany and Manuel Neuer cannot agree more.
Perhaps, El Tri are less fancied, but the truth is that they carry the same threat, if not much more. In Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, Mexico possess one of the most lethal marksmen in the World and he has proven on the biggest stages why he should never be underrated. With Guardado and Barrera on the wings, he is sure of a lot of service throughout the duration of their stay in Brazil. Manuel Jose de La Torre will be hoping to bring home another Confederations Trophy.The Legendary Cuauhtemoc Blanco is the joint highest goal scorer (tied with Ronaldinho Gaucho) in the history of this tournament with 9 great goals. The 40 year old Tricolor Legend is also the 2nd highest goal scorer in the history of the national team (behind Jared Borgetti). Gerado Torrado is still going strong in midfield and is looking forward to his 4th appearance at a World Cup finals.
GROUP B
On paper, it looks as if Spain and La Celeste will breeze through this group. However, we know better than to concur. African Champions, Nigeria have improved tremendously in recent months, winning the nations cup, earning a creditable draw v Mexico and defeating Kenya in Nairobi. Before they think of the opener on Monday, they have the small matter of Namibia to handle in order to gain a stranglehold of their group. The Tahiti match will be very testing as the so-called minnows and Oceania Champions only allowed Spain to score, while they scored 1 and drew against Italy. Shows that football is becoming more and more unpredictable every passing day. Emmanuel Emenike will be sorely missed by the West Africans...replacements are many though. AC Milan's Oduamadi has been superb since his last gasp equaliser v Kenya in Calabar. The talismanic Victor Moses cannot play due to injury as well as Kasimpasa's jewel, Kalu Uche who is also sidelined through injury.
Tahiti's Eddy Etaeta has warned all those who might dismiss his team's chances to beware. He is confident that the boys from the Pacific can spring major shocks from June 17. Steevy Chung Hue's goal ensured that they represent Oceania rather than Caledonia.
La Furia Roja have dominated the World of football at both club and national level for the best part of five years. When Luis Aragones led them to victory in the 2008 European Cup of Nations, no one expected the hegemony to continue. Other than the Confederations Cup, they have won every major national tournament since then. The 2012 European Championship soon followed the World Cup triumph in South Africa and it is thanks but no thanks to them that Italy gained entry into the continental challenge. The 2009 Confed Cup was disappointing for Vicente Del Bosque. Installed as heavy favourites for the semi-final, the United States paid no attention to whatever the media et al said. It was a professional performance from the Bob Bradley led team. It ended 2-0 and Spain were staring down the barrel. They won the losers' final v South Africa, but that did very little to make matters better. This time, the No 1 ranked nation in the World must do without Xabi Alonos who underwent a groin operation and thus, will subsequently be unavailable. Treble winning Javi Martinez will be hoping for a bigger role in the set-up. Newly signed Manchester City winger, Jesus Navas is ready to win the Confederations Cup to complete a box(ed) set. Many other players in the squad have a chance too. David Villa, El Nino Torres, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, Ramos, Pique, etc are in line to make history if they are allowed to.
2-time World Champions, Uruguay must find another gear in this tournament if they are to repeat their Copa America heroics. 'Le Professeur' Oscar Tabarez has maintained focus and drive despite his personal and family upheavals. The Celeste have a mountain to climb if they are to qualify for next year's World Cup. Right now, they lie seventh in the race for Brazil and need at least four wins from their last five matches to have any chance of qualifying for the group stage proper or via the play-offs. Prof Oscar is blessed with attacking options, but the defence's shaky now. They have let in too many goals lately and even though they brushed France aside (everyone does that with ease nowadays..NO?), they will most likely allow a few goals with Godin and Lugano as Centre backs. The former's loopholes were covered all season at club level by teammate, Miranda de Souza Filho. A wealth of attacking options which include El Matador Cavani (just scored v Venezuela) El Pistolero Suarez, Diego Forlan and Palermo's Abel Hernandez. Truth is, I wouldn't wanna be in Tabarez's shoes right now.
Brazil open the show with a hugely anticipated match-up v the blue Samurai of Japan in Brasilia. The June 19 clash v Mexico in Fortaleza must be the most important for the Selecao after what happened in Britain during the Olympics. Revenge will be firmly on their minds. Salvador will host Brazil-Italy. The fireworks there will be extra-intense..that's a certainty.
In Group B, Spain and Uruguay start-off at the Arena Pernambuco in a clash of heavyweights with many European based stars facing each other. Whoever comes out tops has a great chance to qualify for the semis. the supposed whipping boys of the group lurk horns on Monday at the Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.
Whichever way we look at it, whoever we are rooting for, there might not be a Continental battle as fierce as this for a long time and there also might never have been. Keep glued!
Ohireime P Eboreime
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