Confederations Cup...the mini World Cup

Ok so maybe I am overstating the importance of this competition, but hey we have little footie during the summer months and this could have some interesting match ups. I do think there are some teams that will have much to prove in South Africa. First here are the groups and schedule of matches:

Match	Date - Time	Venue			Results
1	14/06 16:00	Johannesburg		South Africa	-	Iraq
2	14/06 20:30	Rustenburg		New Zealand	-	Spain
5	17/06 16:00	Mangaung/Bloemfontein		Spain	-	Iraq
6	17/06 20:30	Rustenburg		South Africa	-	New Zealand
9	20/06 20:30	Johannesburg		Iraq	-	New Zealand
10	20/06 20:30	Mangaung/Bloemfontein		Spain	-	South Africa

Group B

Match	Date - Time	Venue			Results
3	15/06 16:00	Mangaung/Bloemfontein		Brazil	-	Egypt
4	15/06 20:30	Tshwane/Pretoria		USA	-	Italy
7	18/06 16:00	Tshwane/Pretoria		USA	-	Brazil
8	18/06 20:30	Johannesburg		Egypt	-	Italy
11	21/06 20:30	Tshwane/Pretoria		Italy	-	Brazil
12	21/06 20:30	Rustenburg		Egypt	-	USA

The first two teams of each group move on to meet in the semis and then finals...straight forward. At first glance it would appear that Spain should easily win their group, and you would thing Brazil and Italy would emerge from the "group of death." Question is, will South Africa take second spot in their group? I do think there are 3 teams that have a lot to prove in this tournament. However, let us look at all 8 teams:

Group A:

South Africa - One of the teams that has much to prove. They have not qualified for the next African Nations cup...oops. Not exactly a footballing power, at least when South Korea hosted they had a long run of success in their region, which cannot be said about the South Africans. They must show that they can compete, if they do not get through to round 2, it will be an abject failure. The draw is good for them: the first game will be more challenging that most might imagine, Iraq is a decent side, while they are already out for next year's World Cup, they will want to shine on the pseudo - big stage. However, home field and being the opening game will favor the hosts. South Africa should get the full 3 against the "All Whites" of New Zealand (were it rugby it would be a GREAT match). By the time the Spain tie comes around both sides should be through and it will just be a match for 1st and 2nd place.

Iraq - Like previously mentioned out of the World Cup already. All hinges on game 1, if they can some how defeat the hosts, they could pull off the upset...doubt they get anything off Spain, but have the Kiwis to end group play. One cannot discount the influence Milutinovic can have on a nation. Iraq being the 265th nation he has managed, but the Serbian always gets the most out his side. I think he will see this as a building block for his team...could cause some surprises.

New Zealand - Sigh, they will be the whipping boys of this group. The All Whites have played in 2 other Confederation Cups and won no games...if they can get 1 draw from this group they should be satisfied. Let us face it, Australia left Oceania for a reason.

Spain - During last year's Euros they put it all together...finally....in a major tournament. Xavi, Iniesta, Torres, Cesc, Villa....and the list goes on. With Barca winning the Champions League, Spain is clearly the center of the footballing world. They should easily emerge from this group in first place. The opening match against New Zealand, might get ugly. I could see a 6-0 or 8-0 pasting, maybe New Zealand should offer to play another match, this time pitting each nation's rugby team to get some pay back! Spain will be looking towards the semis where they should face either Italy or Brazil.


Group A - Spain, South Africa, Iraq, New Zealand

Group B

Brazil - Ah they are back again...defending champs. They had a shaky start to qualifying but have since righted the ship. With players such as Kaka, Alves, and Robinho available there will be no shortage of talent for the South American giant. The one player I think might emerge as the one with the biggest impact might be Pato. The young Milan player should be given the opportunity to shine during the tournament, allowing the veterans to rest. Much like South Africa, Brazil are fortunate with the draw. The open with Egypt who is not push over, but should not give the footballing giants too much of a challenge. They then face the US, which have a reputation of playing Brazil somewhat tough, but not sure that will mean a full 3 points for the US. Therefore when Brazil face Italy in the last game it should be an exhibition for 1st place.

Egypt - One of the most consistent performers in Africa. They are always the one nation that always does well in the African Cup...but for some reason cannot carry this success beyond. This tournament will, unfortunately, be more of the same. They are drawn into the "group of death." As well as having to open against Brazil. The sledding gets no easier in game 2 when they face the Italians. The last match against the US might be for the honor. One player that is to be watched is Zidan for Egypt, he has elevated his game plying his trade in the Bundesliga. Unfortunately I do not think they have enough to get more than a 3rd place in this group.

Italy - I think they Azzurri are another team that has much to prove and show. They are doing alright with regards to qualifying, but have not shone on the world stage when facing the big nations - see their 2-0 lose to Brazil in London. Lippi will want to show on this stage that the Italians are ready to make a serious challenge to hold on to their title next year. I do think this tournament will be a good show case for players such as Rossi, and you know he will be worked up for their opening game against his nation of birth. Again, the last match against Brazil will be an exhibition, however Italy will not want to lay an egg again as they did when these nations last met in London.

United States - The US is the last nation that I think have a lot to prove. They are currently struggling, if you can call being in second place, in their qualifiers. Their recent games have not been inspirational to say the least, having to come from behind twice against Honduras (once to draw and once to win) and got completely outplayed by Costa Rica. The one saving grace is that Mexico is completely imploding and is in real danger of not qualifying. However, Bradley will want to show that his team can compete against the big nations. I am not sure I think they will emerge from this group, but Bradley must show they can compete. The US must look to get a 2 points from the first 2 games, try to draw with both Brazil and Italy, and collect the full 3 points against the African champions. If they at least play well against in the game 1 and 2, and win game 3 that will be considered a success. I am not sure that Bradley's team have it in them this summer.

Group B - Brazil, Italy, Egypt, US

Brazil will defeat South Africa: 4-1
Spain will defeat Italy: 1-1 (3-1 pks)

Brazil will defeat Spain: 2-1 for the title
Italy will defeat South Africa: 3-0 for third place