Confederations Cup 2013 Brazil Preview

The Confederations Cup 2013 is knocking on the door yet again, just as always, scheduled a year before the showdown of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

For those who don’t know, the Confederations Cup features 8 teams from the different Football Confederations around the world. This years’ contenders will be Brazil, who are the host, Spain who qualified by winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Japan who won the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, Mexico from the CONCACAF, Uruguay who won the 2011 Copa America, Tahiti as the 2012 OFC Nations Cup winner, Italy, who were runner ups to the already qualified Spain at the UEFA EURO 2012 and Nigeria who emerged winners from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2013.

These 8 teams are going to be placed in two different groups. The groups for the Confederations Cup 2013 are as follows:

Group A:

Brazil

Japan

Mexico

Italy

Group B:

Spain

Uruguay

Tahiti

Nigeria

From these two groups, the first two after the group stage will proceed to the knock out stage, so on and so forth.

All Eyes on Neymar

The 21 year old new signing of Barcelona will be taking the spotlight come the Confederations Cup this June 15-30.

It’ll be his chance to prove if he’s any good for Barcelona in the next season and his country, Brazil at the World Cup next year. If you ask me, Neymar seems an overrated, but talented boy – we’ll see how far that talent goes.

Can Neymar carry his country, the defending Confederations Cup titleholders to retain the trophy? Or will another nation snatch it up this time around?

Anyways, Brazil will open formalities on the 15th of June (16th of June in the Philippines, live on Balls/SkyCable) against Japan.

Spain to complete title sweep

Spain, the #1 Football National Team in the world as of this writing is looking forward to complete their title hunt with the Confederations Cup. Spain has already won the most recent World Cup in South Africa and the recently concluded EURO 2012.

Spain and Madrid Captain Iker Casillas is already looking forward to play for his country (and play football at last) again. Casillas has NOT had a good time in Madrid after former Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho sorted him out in the later part of the last season. Nonetheless, he’s excited motivated, and desperate to play, says Spain Head Coach Del Bosque.

Who’s your bet to win the Confederations Cup this year? Will Brazil retain the trophy? Or will Spain complete the sweep? Or maybe, we’ll get to see some other nation pull it off… for what I know is, the ball is round… and anything can happen in football.

My bid: As much as it pains me to say, but Spain will clinch yet another International Title.