Five lessons learnt from the 2013 Confederations Cup

Brazilian police scatter a protest in front of Maracana stadium during the game of the Confederation Cup between Mexico and Italy on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Getty Images)

5. Brazil, as hosts, need to plug some holes

The competition was threatened by the protests that erupted in the streets of Brazil as people expressed their anger against the national government for putting in a large amount of money to host the World Cup.

While the sentiment of the people should be respected, football will suffer if such circumstances arise in 2014. It helped the cause of the competition that the home team went all the way at the event and deflected attention as protests metamorphosed into celebrations on the night of the final.

However, that might not be the case in 2014. All six venues were well prepared, though just in time, and had sporting crowds. We will be hoping that the atmosphere in Brazil in 2014 is one of celebration.