What the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 has to offer

Finally, moving onto the predictions part, Spain are the clear favourites to win the Confederations Cup 2013. They have the talent obviously, they have the experience at the big stage and they have the hunger too, especially since they have never won this tournament. They were knocked out by USA in the semifinals of the last edition and just about managed to get the consolatory 3rd place after winning the match in extra-time against South Africa. So, before the beginning of the end of their golden era begins, they would surely love to add a new cup to their collection.

Moving on from Spain, Uruguay looks quite good with the attacking likes of Cavani and Luis Suarez. Suarez will finally be getting some serious football action after his ban in the Premier League and one can rely on him to provide some fireworks, through whatever means necessary. Italy is still the side with the calm confidence that we saw at Euro 2012 and they will be looking for some revenge should they face Spain after their 4-0 hammering at the Euro final. Balotelli will be leading their line and their press coverage.

Brazil, the host nation, obviously shoulders a lot of expectations. They have a pretty good squad – Neymar, Hulk, Oscar in the attack, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Dani Alves in defence. But their form has been bad of late, and they have dropped to 22 in FIFA’s rankings. Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has been appointed as coach to put their preparation for the World Cup on track, will only hope that his players will not be booed off the field if things don’t go according to the plans. It has happened before, the booing I mean.

Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa, the Japanese big names, will be looking to prove that football is not limited to just Europe and South America. They are a good team, who have had a decent showing at the last World Cup, but they will look to use this tournament to gauge their strengths and weaknesses so as to arrive at the next World Cup with some serious chances of winning it. Mexico marks the end of the list of the serious contenders for this edition of the Confed Cup. Chicharito, after having a somewhat quiet season at Manchester United compared to his first one, will lead their strike line hoping to make Mexico the dark horses of the tournament.

It all begins on June 16th, 12:25 AM (IST) with Brazil vs Japan, the host nation, probably the team which will be scrutinized the most, pitted against the Asians. May the best team win.

Go Tahiti go!