The 2013 Confederation’s Cup is one that will be remembered all year, as we approach next year’s World Cup. There were star powered teams, an emotional crowd, and a longshot with very little professionals on their team. The group stage brought us one of the best games all year, with Italy and Japan scoring seven goals combined. We saw Tahiti, a team filled with amateurs, score an amazing goal against Nigeria. In the semifinals, Italy played world powers Spain as tough as anyone has, and was a penalty kick save away from advancing to the final. And more than anything, a struggling Brazil team with a young superstar found ways to energize a nation and win the whole thing.
Coming into the tournament, Brazil had its fair share of struggles. There were several uninspiring ties and even a loss in friendly competition. Luiz Felipe Scolari, recently hired to revitalize the national team, was under a lot of criticism. With that being said, from the very first, Brazilian fans came out in full force for their host nation, and the excitement could be felt from all viewers. They were loud and full of chants throughout the game, with the players emphatically urging them on at every opportunity. And not only that, but the Brazilian team was fun to watch. Led by their young superstar, Neymar, Brazil scored goals in bunches. They played an entertaining style and put pressure on opposing teams from the get go. Oscar, Hulk, and Fred proved to be extremely dangerous, providing much support to Neymar who may not have to do it alone after all. Their backline of David Luiz and Thiago Silva was probably the best in the tournament. They played an amazing game against the best team in the world, Spain, and made them look average. Going forward, Brazil has to be a favorite for the 2014 World Cup, and proved that they will play with the flash and flair of the past.
Brazil was not the only world power, as Spain and Italy played excellent tournaments, with Uruguay narrowing losing to Brazil in the semifinals. Spain was its usual dominant self, outscoring opponents 15 to 1 in the group stage. However, the final two games were much different for them, as Italy and Brazil were both able to take Spain off of their game. Spain completed numerous turnovers and were unable to dominate the midfield. They often found themselves out of position and chasing the ball. Besides Iniesta, there was little creativity in the final third of the field for the last two games, something that could occur come next year’s world cup as well. Italy played admirably against Spain, even without their top goal scorer in Balotelli, who was sent home with an injury. Italy demonstrated that they are still able to play with the best, providing structure and a deadly counterattack. Uruguay played decent games against Spain and Brazil, but were just unable to produce the results. Sometimes they seemed one or two plays away from breaking the game wide open.
Tahiti was one of the more inspiring teams of the tournament, a small country with amateur players against some of the best in the world. They were outmatched in every game, but played with the passion and heart that kept us cheering for them in every game. Most of their players had separate day jobs, and were in awe of just being there. After struggling against Brazil, Japan had strong games against Mexico and Italy but failed to come up with a result. Both Nigeria and Mexico ended the tournament with one win each, but both had much left to be desired, and head home looking to improve.
The reason for the Confederation’s Cup being held is as a trial run, a year before the World Cup. Plenty of questions have been brought about Brazil’s ability to host the World Cup, and will continue to be asked all year. However, if the behind the scenes activity can take care of itself, then the World Cup will surely be one of the best. The Confederation’s Cup proved that the entertainment on the field is world class, and truly built up the anticipation for next year. Spain, the world’s number one team, was proven to be human, as Italy took them to penalty kicks and Brazil completely took them out of their game in the final. Italy and Japan played one of the best games all year, with goal after goal being scored, the game’s outcome undecided until the last seconds when Italy was finally able to breath after Japan continually attacked. And the host nation, providing unbelievable passion and flair, with the fans and players united, previewing the grand finale for next year.