The Stage is set for another Pep-Mou Battle..this time with different armies....UEFA SUPER CUP PREVIEW!

Sometimes I wonder who writes these scripts. You know, Josep 'Pep' Gaurdiola returns from his sabbatical and Mourinho is back at his 'beloved' Chelsea. What happens next? They face-off in Europe for a very important 'winner takes-all' game. Whoever is victorious will not only smile home with the trophy, but also the upper hand in their never ending rivalry. Mourinho stoked the fire recently by throwing tantrums at Pep, questioning his coaching abilities. The revered Managerial great hasn't replied the Portuguese coaching legend, but Uli Hoeness, President of Bayern Munich has defended his current manager in the light of comments made by Jose. All these and more will make Friday's game hugely entertaining.

For all those who are ardent followers and keen admirers of the Super Cup, you must be used to the fact that it has always been played in the principality (Monaco). The St Louis II Stadium has hosted the game since 1998. However, that has changed this year. Friday's showpiece match will now be played at the Eden Arena, Prague-Czech Republic. As a result of Super Cup commitment, Bayern had to play Freiburg in the Bundesliga and that ended  in a disappointing draw for the Bavarians. Pep rested some of the big names for the big one in Prague. Jose Mourinho also had to take his men to Old Trafford with the intention of becoming the first club to achieve the distinction of defeating Manchester United on their own turf two times in a Calendar year. It finished nil-nil in a rather stoic affair. Attention has shifted to the Super Cup clash.

For Mourinho, he is about to win a trophy he will not have deserved, considering the fact that is another of his adversary, Rafa Benitez, who led the blues to EUROPA LEAGUE glory in Amsterdam. It is a classic tale of 'what goes around, comes around'. When the now Napoli boss (BENITEZ) took over as Inter boss in the Summer of 2010 following Mourinho's exit, the latter criticised his successor, complaining that if Benitez hoists any of the trophies he qualified the Nerazzurri for, the glory would be his, rather than that of the new boss. The Spaniard went on to lose the Super Cup, but made amends in the World Club Cup. Now the table has turned and it is Jose who might be at the wrong end of the words he blatantly uttered three years ago. Knowing how proud and arrogant he is, he might just hand the trophy over to Bayern if he can .lol

Bayern Munich and Chelsea are the last two clubs to win the UEFA Champions League and coincidentally, it was Chelsea who inflicted one of the most crushing defeats on FC Hollywood last year in a pulsating final at the Allianz Arena. Incidentally, it was Drogba's last kick for the 3-time Premier League Champions which sealed the club's maiden UCL triumph. The Ivorian has since moved on to China and most recently, Turkey, wearing the famous colours of Fatih Terim's Galatasaray. No matter what they say in public, the Bavarians will want nothing short of victory in Friday's 'very important game'. More significant because Chelsea are now better equipped than two seasons ago and 'The Special One' has returned to the helm. Bayern have also strengthened. Bringing in the likes of Mario Gotze, Thiago Alcantara (out for 7 weeks) and shipping off Luis Gustavo to Wolfsburg...Mario Gomez to Fiorentina. Mourinho has been very busy in the Transfer Market too, recruiting the likes of Mario Van Ginkel, Andre Schurrle, Wallace and Willian. Irrespective of all these, it is the continued exemption of Mata from the Starting eleven that is a source of worry for fans and admirers of the 2-time Chelsea player of the year. The club's most consistent performer of the last two seasons now finds himself on the periphery of the new manager's plans. We have been hearing that he is carrying an injury. That doesn't take the biscuit in my opinion. Mou clearly prefers the industry of Kev De Bruyne and I can understand why. It's his choice and he clearly has his own strategy. Suitors are coming thick and fast for the brilliant playmaker (Mata).

Chelsea will need to be at the top of their game to avoid a repeat of 'THE FALCAO SHOW' which happened last year in Monaco. It was Chelsea-Atletico Madrid then with the Blues=European Champions and Los Rojiblancos, Europa League winners. That was where the difference ended. Colombian Tiger, Radamel Falcao continued from where he left off in the Europa League, scoring a perfect hat-trick v the pensioners in a match that ended 4-1 in favour of El Cholo's Colchoneros. Little did he know that one year on, the Principality would be his home for the foreseeable future. We don't expect a high scoring encounter considering the capabilities of  both teams' rearguard...but in football. we have learnt never to say never. It will be the Blues' second straight appearance in what a few of us have tagged 'THE CHAMPIONS GONG'. Bayern haven't been in this situation in twelve years, so we can pardon them if they treat it with utmost necessity. The heavy burden of being ' European Champions' and 'The Best team in the World' might weigh down on their shoulders anytime soon. They, nevertheless, would want a longer reign than Barcelona in this regard. To continue to occupy the throne, they must first defeat Chelsea and then focus on December's Club World Cup. The win is more important because they were undone by Dortmund in the Domestic Super Cup a few weeks ago. That memory still lingers on, until something of note temporarily erases it.

The Bavarians will be extremely delighted to play a Drogba-less Chelsea after all the harm the Ivorian has caused in meetings of the past seven years. Oliver Khan once stated that Double D (Drogba) is the best striker he faced in his immensely exceptional career. That is some compliment considering the fact that Ronaldo Da Lima sent him to the cleaners eleven years ago in the World Cup title match. But there is a man who can have as big an influence as Didier in Mourinho's squad. He is Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian starlet scored 17 League goals for West Brom last season, including a 45 minute hat-trick against Manchester United. Any one who has such an impressive RESUME can do damage at any level, given the chance. If he gets the nod to spearhead the attack, the likes of Dante and Boateng must keep a close eye on him. The trio of Oscar-Hazard-Ramires have featured in all three Mourinho managed games so far. Goes to show how highly he rates them. Lampard's starting berth might be threatened now, with the arrival of WILLIAN. Th ex-Anzhi and Shakhtar playmaker signed for the Europa League winners rather than Tottenham Hotspur

For Chelsea, the likes of Franck Ribery (Nominee for UEFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR alongside Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo), Arjen Robben (who Mourinho and Chelsea know so well), Mario Mandzukic, Bastian Schweinsteiger (doubtful for the clash)-unarguably the best midfielder in Europe this year, and Thomas Mueller are the biggest threats to their ambition of becoming holders of the 2013 UEFA SUPER CUP. The ROBBERY(ROBBEN-RIBERY) gang were unplayable last season and have continued in similar fashion this term. Last Saturday, they scored two beauties to win the Bavarian Derby vs a stubborn Nurnberg. Robben's the peak of the double. Thomas Mueller has grown into one of the best players in the World since his excellent performance at the 2010 World Cup. When he is called upon, he rarely fails to deliver. Mandzukic was the reason why Gomez headed to Italy. The Croat has grown in leaps and bounds since his arrival from the Volkswagen Arena last summer. Has been a regular in all of Pep's starting line-ups since the beginning of the season. Schweini is the dominant force in the Bayern Midfield. Never one to shy away from the big ones. An excellent ball distributor, a great tackler and one with an eye for goal is the complete package. The Bundesliga Champions are such a lucky bunch. It is a pity that Thiago will be unavailable for the Treble winners...However, there are so many options in midfield and attack. He won't be missed.

For both teams, pride and history are at stake...and then the small matter of managerial supremacy between two of the greatest managers of all time. Although, Pep has the big H2H adavntage, if he loses this to Mourinho, it would perhaps be the most excruciating loss of his career yet. The Chelsea coach will want nothing more than victory over his biggest rival of the last five years. How sweet it will taste.


PROBABLE LINEUPS-

BAYERN MUNICH
Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Boateng, Alaba, Schweini, Kroos, Robben, Ribery, Muller, Mandzukic

CHELSEA
Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Oscar, Mata, Hazard, LUKAKU

Bayern can lay claims to the fact that they have the best eleven in European Club Football at the moment. Most of their players are top five in the World in their respective positions. That says a lot. The game might be decided by small details and Cech/Neuer might well be decisive too. There's an old saying that attack wins games, defence wins titles. Without a strong rearguard, the possibility to accumulating titles in World Football is very slim. Jose Mourinho started the Manchester United game without a recognised striker. He is unlikely to repeat the same on Friday.The 'False NINE' Tactic is not one of his strong points and would have backfired if RVP and co were not profligate in front of goal. The bulk of the team that featured at the Theatre of Dreams will again be called upon..De Bruyne and Schurrle may have to start from the bench.


Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

MANCHESTER UNITED-CHELSEA..THE PREVIEW

                                   






This game couldn't have come at a worse time for the hosts. Europa League winners, Chelsea have a date with Bayern Munich on Friday with the UEFA Super Cup up for grabs. But it is their courting of Wayne Rooney that is the main concern for the red army. The English international wants out....However, the Club he has served for nine successful years don't want to sell to a rival side as that will be extremely stupid. Strengthening a direct challenger is not exactly a good idea.

David Moyes has moaned and grumbled about the difficult fixture list that includes Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool in the first five games of the season. Despite the very impressive start to the season, the Scot will be taking nothing for granted as Mourinho and Chelsea come visiting on Monday. The pensioners currently sit at the top of the Premier League courtesy of two good wins v Hull City and Aston Villa, the latter the more difficult. Nevertheless, they are aware that Manchester United is a different kettle of fish and have a point or two to prove in the anticipated encounter. Chelsea have been active on the transfer front yet again, with the Special One jumping the queue and in pole position to land Brazilian playmaker, Willian from cash strapped Anzhi. The former Shakhtar man was heavily linked with Spurs and was even rumoured to have passed a medical at the North London club only for Chelsea to snatch him from their grasp. Jose didn't even put his protege, Villas-Boas into consideration. Business is Business it seems. W e are waiting to find out the outcome of this transfer drama. Asides the multi-talented South American, Chelsea also intend to lure African Legend, Samuel Eto'o from the same Russian Club and have promised to pay him a paltry four million pounds a year compared to the 17 million he earns over there in Eastern Europe. The highest paid footballer in the World might see that as too low for his high standards, except he is willing to sacrifice so much to join his former boss(at Inter Milan). Back to why we are here.

Manchester United have been very quiet in the Transfer Market. Apart from raising the hopes of fans with some rather unrealistic pursuits, nothing serious has happened on the recruitment front which is a source of worry for all those associated with the Premier League defending Champions. The likes of Fabregas and Thiago were pursued without success and now they have been linked with Ozil, Fellaini, Baines, Kaka, etc. It has even gone so awry that Everton of all clubs would reject a bid from a massively big club in the mould of Manchester United. In the light of all these, the club still claimed its first piece of silverware two weeks ago at Wembley and spanked Swansea on their very own turf last weekend to lay down a marker. Irrespective of Squad depth, the 20-time English League Champions will remain a force to reckon with season after season. Sir Alex is gone, so it is a new dawn and a new era with the less fancied Moyes eager to build his own dynasty. He has started too badly. The likes of Ashley Young, Nani, and Chicharito are still nursing injuries and will play no part. Teenage sensation, Adnan Januzaj was in sparkling form as Manchester United's U21s ran riot at West Brom yesterday. He will very much want to be part of the manager's p;ans for this much hyped game. Wilf Zaha didn't get a chance make his long awaited Manchester United League debut in Wales last time out. He is in line to make an appearance on Monday night. Rafael Da Silva is out of contention for the game due to injury and suspension.


PROBABLE LINEUPS-
MANCHESTER UNITED
DDG, Jones, Rio, Evans/Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Anderson, Carrick, Rooney, Welbeck, RVP

Moyes will be hoping Wayne Rooney has a clear head for this very important encounter as it is the very same club that is willing to add him to its ranks. If events of last weekend are to go by, he deserves to make the starting eleven. Rumours of him being unhappy because he refused to celebrate with his teammates when they scored are overstated and who cares if he doesn't join in the celebrations? As long as he provides assists such as the one that led to Welbeck's second and his all round play is deemed more than satisfactory, the rest becomes paper/media nonsense. The gaffer needs to pile up the midfield because the West London visitors have arguably the best midfield in the League. The defence with the exclusion of Rafael, should be enough to keep the Chelsea frontline at bay.

CHELSEA
Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Oscar, Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku

Knowing Jose Mourinho, he most certainly won't keep faith in Demba Ba despite his above average showing in midweek. It is goals that matter for a marksman and none of his have delivered so far. He will probably give Romelu Lukaku the chance he deserves after such a fantastic season at the Hawthorns which culminated in a glorious hat-trick v Manchester United in what was Sir Alex Ferguson's last game as manager. Juan Mata might also make way for Kevin De Bruyne. Otherwise, it is pretty much the same side that has lined up in the previous two games of the season. David Luiz is still injured, but has a chance of making the subs bench and will be fit for the Super Cup match in Prague next Friday.


Jose Mourinho doesn't seem to like Mata a lot and this will bode well for opponents this season. the Spanish technician is miles better than many in his trade and has been Chelsea's best player of the last two seasons. It is even touted in some quarters that he might be included in a deal that will bring Wayne Rooney to the Bridge. United will be mad not to accept such an irresistible offer.

Let's hope to the game lives up to the billing. Touted as a potential title decider has added more spice to the eagerly anticipated match up.


Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

NO WHERE TO HIDE TODAY FOR MOYES AS THE SEASON GETS UNDERWAY AT WEMBLEY..WIGAN AGAIN

                                        



How times have changed. If someone had told even the most pessimistic football fan that Manchester United would be lining up without the great Sir Alex Ferguson at the forefront, it would have been the most ridiculous thing ever heard by such a human being. But Life plays a fast one on us and nothing is permanent. After 27 years and many triumphs, the exalted Scot bowed out and handed over the baton to trophyless (yet) David Moyes to continue in the tradition of the red devils. The man has not fared well so far. Transfers have become too difficult a task, wins are few and far between and Rio Ferdinand's TESTIMONIAL ended up as a show of absolute disgrace for the team, with Sevilla coming to the Theatre of Dreams and sinking the Premier League Champions. The insipid displays since the Asian Tour have not gone down well with those who love the club even more than their real lives. If King David wants all that to wipe off, he must deliver his first trophy as manager today. No more excuses. The game is a demanding one. Either you succeed or you fail.

Lying in wait are Wigan. A team he has to get one over after what happened in the F.A Cup last season when he was still in charge of Everton. That woeful performance in the quarter finals was one of the downsides in his 11 years at the helm. Amazingly, he recommended the same manager to his old club after he left. Roberto Martinez has since taken over and fellow Scot, Owen Coyle is now manager of the Latics after a bitter sweet end to last season saw them relegated and crowned Champions of the F.A Cup after a fairytale run.

Both sides had to see off big spenders, Manchester City to get here. For Wigan, despite being relegated, they still have the players to upset a club as big as Manchester United. Arouna Kone has since joined Martinez at Everton and Maynor Figueroa decided to rejoin Steve Bruce at Hull City Tigers. But majority of the players who won them the World's most prestigious Cup competition remain committed to the cause. Victory against the red army will send signals of intent to other teams in the Championship that they very much want to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

For Moyes, it is an opportunity to clear some doubt about his capability and ability to step into the big shoes Sir Alex left for him. Indeed, it is unfair to compare both, but that's how it is and he must get used to the fact that his predecessor's shadow will keep hovering round until he does something quite simply magical with the team at his disposal. The major fear this season is lack of activity in the transfer market. With Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs bolstering an already strong squad, it will take a miracle to mount any serious challenge on the League Title this term. Some good news though..... Adnan JANUZAJ, the Belgian teenager has come to the fore in the last month. Some exceedingly brilliant showings from him to be honest. Wilf Zaha and Jesse Lingard have also proved that they can challenge for spots in the first team this season. However, the midfield is too poor. Bar Carrick, the others are lightweight and cannot compete with the creme of the Premiership, let alone Europe. The likes of Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara were pursued without success. Now attention has shifted to Marouane Fellaini if reports in the press are anything to go by. It is a pity that a club of such magnitude can no longer attract the best in the business. In fairness, there is a huge difference between a Fergie phone call and one received from Moyes. The players will be like Moyes who?

As expected, the big question before the game today is where lies the future of wantaway ingrate, Wayne Rooney. Moyes has consistently tried to be positive about the whole brouhaha. But the harder he tries, the more the Englishman wants out of a club that made him the player he is today. After the 2010 debacle, he still has the effrontery to hold the club to ransom because he was forgiven afterwards. It is heavily rumoured that senior players and fans have told him to f-k off. It has also been speculated that he has told friends he wants to join Chelsea. Whatever happens, he has been left out of the squad today..although he may make the trip to London with the club. Perhaps, Moyes was wrong when he firmly stated with mincing words that it is only when something happens to RVP that Wayne can be counted upon. His words might have been misconstrued, but that was a crushing blow and a vote of NO confidence.

Today's match has all the makings of a power packed and interesting encounter. Much so because of a lot of happenings of the pitch for Manchester United especially and how Moyes will approach his first competitive game as Manager of the World's most supported football club. Wigan are no pushovers and will attempt to spoil the party. Forget all that gibberish Coyle was on about concerning Moyes and how qualified he is to continue from where Fergie stopped. Friendship will be put aside today, at least for the duration of the duel.


PROBABLE LINEUPS-

MANCHESTER UNITED- DDG, Rafael/Fabio Vidic, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Zaha, RVP, Welbeck.................Left for me, Januzaj should be in the squad. Worth it.

WIGAN- Carson, Boyce, Perch, Barnett, Craney, Watson, McCarthy, McArthur, Holt, Beausejour, MALONEY

For the red devils, the usual suspects of Van Persie and Welbeck should most certainly start, with the likes of Zaha, Januzaj and Lingard waiting for their time on the subs bench. In my opinion, people like Valencia and Young should be driven to Royla Antwerp to play what is left of their careers. Annoying crop.

Wigan have Shaun Maloney to count on for the needed help. The former Celtic player has been a great signing for them since he joined and he is poised to continue in that fashion, especially now that KONE has departed for pastures new.

Hopefully, we will enjoy the game.


Ohireime Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

FINALLY....ANDY RISES TO THE OCCASION..NO MORE SORROW..NO MORE PAIN...

CAMPEON DE WIMBLEDON!

When Andy Murray pulled out of Roland Garros, All of Britain was in limbo. That feeling of unrest set in once again. The reality that Wimbledon might not see a home Champion in a while yet was rearing its ugly head. But the World Number Two bounced back and won the warm up tournament in Queen's, taking the Title from last year's titlist, Marin Cilic..Once again, hope sprung eternal. The entire weight of pressure rested on the 26 year old Dunblane native's shoulders. He was aware that no British man had reigned supreme at the All England Club since 1936. 77 long and agonising years. Despite an OUTSTANDING AND HUGELY SUCCESSFUL 2012 which saw him crowned US OPEN CHAMPION and Olympic Gold (singles) and Silver (mixed doubles) medallist, the Brits knew that victory at Wimbledon supersedes any and everything else. Someone once told me that one WIMBLEDON title is equal to 5 other Grand Slam triumphs (Australia, RG and USO). Such is the high esteem that gold plated trophy is held in.

Then came WIMBLEDON 2013...Perhaps the weirdest tennis tournament of all time. Injuries and withdrawals became the order of the day. Rafa Nadal was sent back to Majorca by an unheralded Belgian, Steve Darcis, who paid for his miraculous act in the very next phase. His shoulder gave in and he couldn't turn up for the match v Kubot (who reached the QF). The 7-time Wimbledon Champion and arguably the Greatest Tennis player of all time, Roger Federer was eliminated by Sergy Stakhovsky who couldn't back it up in Round 3 (l. to Melzer). Maria Sharapova lost to an unknown wild card entrant in Michelle Larcher De Brito. It did not end there. 16 time Grand Slam Champion and defending Wimbledon Champion relinquished her hold of the Venus Rosewater dish in the 4th Round v Sabine Lisicki (l in the final to Marion Bartoli). All the talk of Nadal being seeded fifth and a possible QUARTER-FINAL clash with Roger Federer sounded foolish in the end. However, it paved the way for Murray to breeze through his half of the draw. The only really difficult match was the one against Verdasco in the Round of right, where he had to call on the British Tennis gods to help him navigate through a match in which he found himself two sets down. He won that in five, then came the new World Number 17, Jerzy Janowicz who led 7-6, 4-1 until Murray remembered what was at stake and rolled through in 4 sets. The other semi-final btw Del Potro and the Djoker ended in heartbreak for the Argentine Tower who lost in 5 sets. Not too bad for a man who almost threw in the towel in the previous round.

The stage was set. THE DREAM FINAL everyone envisaged. WORLD NUMBER ONE V WORLD NUMBER TWO. For Novak Djokovic, it was another chance to add to his Grand Slam haul which stood (still stands at six) and the Wimbledon crown he won in 2011 (D. Nadal). He was appearing in his 11th Major Final and had lost just four. Muzza was appearing in his seventh final and 2nd straight Wimbledon title match. He had lost five of the last six, including this year's Australian Open Final to the same opponent. He knew what was stake and straight from the off, he went about his business very well and in three hours, he brought the Serb Warrior to his knees. The match ended in a straight sets (6-4, 7-5. 6-4) triumph for the Double Olympic medallist and US Open Champion. The long wait was over. 77 years of misery finally buried. A new King was crowned at the All England Club and the Duke of Kent was finally able to hand out the gentleman's singles trophy to a Brit. A very special day in the History of British Tennis. One that will be remembered for generations. Knighthood to follow soon. Don;t look beyond the new Champion of Wimbledon for the 2013 BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD. He has earned everything that is coming his way. A true LEGEND in the making.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2013 PREVIEW............JUNE 15-30

The 2014 World Cup is exactly a year away and the dress rehearsal for football's greatest national tournament kicks off on Saturday at the home of World Super powers, Brazil. It promises to be one of the most exciting spectacles ever seen. With the hosts underwhelming since the return of LFS (Luis Felipe Scolari) as manager, it remains to be seen how they will cope with the visit of some of the globe's most devastatingly phenomenal football nations. Brazil, Italy, Mexico, and Japan make up Group A, while Spain, Uruguay, Nigeria and Tahiti complete Group B.

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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