FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009

[purpleronnie]

Well done Brazil, obviously a little dissapointed but the US proved you don't need 11 superstars to do well.

[Smudge]

The US were playing with 10 men for most of the game Altidore was shite. I couldn't understand why the coach kept him on the field until I saw the alternatives eventually play.

[placidcasual]

Thank fcuk the Septics didn't win. Wouldn't have heard the end of it.

Boozer I was in got very quiet after the second Brazil goal. Was half tempted to sing "Two nil and you fooked it up" but thought better of it.

[Ultra]

Good tournament - proves that next year's World Cup is wide open. It'll be about whichever side reaches their peak a year from now.

Capello won't have seen too much to frighten him.

[Guest Bilo]

Good tournament - proves that next year's World Cup is wide open. It'll be about whichever side reaches their peak a year from now.

Capello won't have seen too much to frighten him.

I tend to agree with that.

This tournament has shown that, contrary to popular belief before it began, that there is no outstanding team. Each and every one of the so-called big teams is perfectly beatable. If anything, the tournament has shown that there is a strong likelihood of a few shocks. Don't be surprised to see someone like the USA or an African side in the semis.

Having said that, I still feel that the class of the major nations will come through in the business end of the tournament and there are still only 5 or 6 teams going there with a realistic shot at winning the tournament. The top three being Spain, Brazil and Holland, all of which are playing good football at the moment and are likely to go with confidence. The other three, who could be termed as outsiders within said group, would be Argentina, England and Germany. All three are probably behind the top three sides but will expect to have a very good tournament given a kind draw and hitting form at the right moment. Impossible to call the tournament at this stage until we know for certain who will be there, and what kind of draw they get.

It'll be a great tournament with entertaining football and my appetite has been whetted brilliantly by the Confederations Cup.

[Radovan's Caravan]

Whoever coined the phrase that 2-0 was 'the most deceptive lead in football' must have had Brazil in mind. The only doubt that I had at the break was whether they would win during the 90 minutes or whether they would need extra time.

However, Brazil looked desperate and ragged for long periods and their victory above all else was a triumph of the will. Interesting to see though that Spain in a very similar position against the same team made very little impression. That suggests to me that whilst Spain possess all the technical gifts to be considered true contenders their 'iron deficiency' indicates that they are mere pretenders to football's crown.

I would advise all those who take heart from Brazil's seemingly lacklustre performances not to build up their hopes. This was probably a second string side (interesting that I never heard any references to Ronaldo, Ronaldinho & Adriano in the entire tournament - were these omissions a ploy to delude us that we were watching the real deal?). And their rather cavalier approach too (that was characteristic of the tournament as a whole) will probably not be so evident next year.

So I tip Brazil to add Africa to their World Cup continental collection. And by 2018/2022 they should complete the set. Interestingly, Brazil are the only one of the seven winners of the World Cup never to have won it on home soil (so at least it can't be argued by the sceptics that their 2014 hosting bid was in any way cynical).

[Edmund]

I tend to agree with that.

This tournament has shown that, contrary to popular belief before it began, that there is no outstanding team. Each and every one of the so-called big teams is perfectly beatable. If anything, the tournament has shown that there is a strong likelihood of a few shocks. Don't be surprised to see someone like the USA or an African side in the semis.

Having said that, I still feel that the class of the major nations will come through in the business end of the tournament and there are still only 5 or 6 teams going there with a realistic shot at winning the tournament. The top three being Spain, Brazil and Holland, all of which are playing good football at the moment and are likely to go with confidence. The other three, who could be termed as outsiders within said group, would be Argentina, England and Germany. All three are probably behind the top three sides but will expect to have a very good tournament given a kind draw and hitting form at the right moment. Impossible to call the tournament at this stage until we know for certain who will be there, and what kind of draw they get.

It'll be a great tournament with entertaining football and my appetite has been whetted brilliantly by the Confederations Cup.

You do have to question the players desire to win this tournament in comparison to a World Cup or a Euro Cup.

There's no where near as much media coverage and it just doesn't hold the same prestigious history as the main ones, so bear that in mind. Still credit to South Africa and U.S.A and it would be wrong to use that as an excuse to take away South Africa and USA's achievements although you have to bring that into the equation.

[Guest Bilo]

You do have to question the players desire to win this tournament in comparison to a World Cup or a Euro Cup.

There's no where near as much media coverage and it just doesn't hold the same prestigious history as the main ones, so bear that in mind. Still credit to South Africa and U.S.A and it would be wrong to use that as an excuse to take away South Africa and USA's achievements although you have to bring that into the equation.

True, it's rather like the Super Cup in European club football I suppose.

Having said that, winning any tournament can be a confidence boost, particularly when you happen to be playing fellow champions from across the world. There may not be the desire to win the thing, but I would imagine each and every team will be eager to pit themselves against the very best of their future opponents.

[Ultra]

I would advise all those who take heart from Brazil's seemingly lacklustre performances not to build up their hopes. This was probably a second string side (interesting that I never heard any references to Ronaldo, Ronaldinho & Adriano in the entire tournament - were these omissions a ploy to delude us that we were watching the real deal?). And their rather cavalier approach too (that was characteristic of the tournament as a whole) will probably not be so evident next year.

So I tip Brazil to add Africa to their World Cup continental collection. And by 2018/2022 they should complete the set. Interestingly, Brazil are the only one of the seven winners of the World Cup never to have won it on home soil (so at least it can't be argued by the sceptics that their 2014 hosting bid was in any way cynical).

I'd be surprised if any of those three feature in Dunga's squad next year.

[Guest Bilo]

I'd be surprised if any of those three feature in Dunga's squad next year.

I'm sure Adriano had some personal problems that led to him taking some time out of the game.

Ronaldo looked past it at the last World Cup and Ronaldinho's best days appear to be behind him.

[Radovan's Caravan]

I'm sure Adriano had some personal problems that led to him taking some time out of the game.

Ronaldo looked past it at the last World Cup and Ronaldinho's best days appear to be behind him.

Adriano lost his father early on in his career and as a consequence he has never really fufilled his early promise.

Brazilian greats have a habit of coming back and biting teams on the bum. Pele in 1970, Romario in 1994, Rivaldo * in 2002 were all written off before their swan songs. It's every Brazilian superstar's right to go AWOL before their last World Cup (eg betting, boozing, bonking etc etc).

Destiny awaits Messrs Ronaldo, Ronaldinho & Adriano...

*I heard that when he was manager of Celtic, Martin O'Neil was very interested in signing the former World Player of the Year and invited him to the club for a trial!

[Ultra]

Pele was 29 and at the peak of his career, while the other two were still significant players at Barca. None could have possibly been described as being in decline in the way that this current trio clearly are.

[Radovan's Caravan]

Pele was 29 and at the peak of his career, while the other two were still significant players at Barca. None could have possibly been described as being in decline in the way that this current trio clearly are.

Pele was only 'allowed back' into the Brazil squad because of fears for the health of his 'heir apparent' Tostao (who nearly lost his sight and was advised by doctors not to head the ball). The truth was that Pele was burnt out by the age of 20 (in one year alone he made over 100 appearances for club, country and other selections).

The iconic image of Pele traipsing off Goodison in 1966 with a raincoat around him after nearly being kicked into the Mersey by thuggish Bulgarian/Portuguese defenders (he was assaulted brutally by both and I can't remember which game he departed) was used to suggest the end of his international career.

Pele caused a little annoyance in the Brazil dressing room after the 1970 win because rather than rejoicing in the collective triumph of the team he chose to see it as a personal victory. Legend has it that in the shower he wouldn't stop shrieking 'I'm back! I'm back!'

Ronaldinho will probably make South Africa. Ronaldo is a possibility with his inclusion probably dependent on his move to Bayern.

[dandannieldanok]

I'll laugh if Ronaldo gets back in the squad, would smack of desperation if he did.

[Jimmy]

I'll laugh if Ronaldo gets back in the squad, would smack of desperation if he did.

if he was to get back to full fitness and form there are still very few better then him

[Guest Bilo]

if he was to get back to full fitness and form there are still very few better then him

That's one hell of a big 'if' though given his injury and weight problems.

[dandannieldanok]

if he was to get back to full fitness and form there are still very few better then him

Ifs and buts though, he's 32 so has past his peak, plus he's not playing in Europe anymore. I just think that if Brazil are as good as some people make out, then surely they'd have plenty of players to choose from without having to consider people like Ronaldo and Adriano who are riddled with physical and psychological problems.

[Jimmy]

Ifs and buts though, he's 32 so has past his peak, plus he's not playing in Europe anymore. I just think that if Brazil are as good as some people make out, then surely they'd have plenty of players to choose from without having to consider people like Ronaldo and Adriano who are riddled with physical and psychological problems.

no he's not but they you don't have to be playing in Europe to be an international player, Andre Santos and Ramieres both played every game and are both playing in Brazil although Ramieres is moving to Benfica.

He is more likely to find form in the Brazilian league then in Spain or Italy

[dandannieldanok]

no he's not but they you don't have to be playing in Europe to be an international player, Andre Santos and Ramieres both played every game and are both playing in Brazil although Ramieres is moving to Benfica.

He is more likely to find form in the Brazilian league then in Spain or Italy

Tbf that Ramires is shite, well in my opinion anyway.

He is more likely to find form in the Brazilian league, but I just can't ever see him recapturing that brilliance he had.

[Uncle Albert]

Conclusion from this tournament.. England have nothing to fear.

Italy are poor, Spain didnt look the team they were at the Euro's and Brazil neither look the force they once were in International Football.

[shen]

I tend to agree with that.

This tournament has shown that, contrary to popular belief before it began, that there is no outstanding team. Each and every one of the so-called big teams is perfectly beatable. If anything, the tournament has shown that there is a strong likelihood of a few shocks. Don't be surprised to see someone like the USA or an African side in the semis.

Having said that, I still feel that the class of the major nations will come through in the business end of the tournament and there are still only 5 or 6 teams going there with a realistic shot at winning the tournament. The top three being Spain, Brazil and Holland, all of which are playing good football at the moment and are likely to go with confidence. The other three, who could be termed as outsiders within said group, would be Argentina, England and Germany. All three are probably behind the top three sides but will expect to have a very good tournament given a kind draw and hitting form at the right moment. Impossible to call the tournament at this stage until we know for certain who will be there, and what kind of draw they get.

It'll be a great tournament with entertaining football and my appetite has been whetted brilliantly by the Confederations Cup.

It's all about who peaks at the right time and gets the right breaks. Italy will feel they have something to prove after their dire performance at the CC, and Portugal would obviously be an outsider should they qualify. Spain have peaked and England and the Netherlands are qualifying well, but will they do the job when it really matters? The Czechs used to be the side that qualified comfortably only to disappoint. As RC said, this is the perfect stage for African teams to make their breakthrough. so I'd expect at least one or two African teams in the quarters. Either way, I'm hoping for a tournament where many sides will compete and be on top of their game.

[Radovan's Caravan]

Ifs and buts though, he's 32 so has past his peak, plus he's not playing in Europe anymore. I just think that if Brazil are as good as some people make out, then surely they'd have plenty of players to choose from without having to consider people like Ronaldo and Adriano who are riddled with physical and psychological problems.

Fair points, but these are exceptionally gifted players (there is a strong case for arguing that Ronaldo is the greatest striker of all time). Whether he gets his move to Bayern or performs out of his skin for Corinthians to force Dunga to reconsider is in the lap of the Gods (who must be sweating buckets over Pato's form next season - only time will tell whether this much hyped prospect can be considered a true Brazilian great).

Many teams will be feeling a bit more optimistic about their chances next year after watching the CC. Those that PLAY THE RIGHT WAY have every right to feel chipper. Some promising African countries fit into this category - particularly Cote d'Ivoire (a challenge for Mr Bilo: go to the relevant Wikipedia page and then tell us again with a straight face that their only hope is Drogba).

Many pundits dis African teams' prospects because up until now they have failed to deliver. Apart from the appalling poverty and the lack of faciltities African pospects have to put up with African teams have had, and continue to have, a number of other problems:

(1) FIFA - for the first time Africa will be reasonably well represented in the World Cup finals with six teams (including the hosts) guaranteed a berth. But Europe has NINE. When Cameroon first emerged as a football force in 1990 they were only one of two African nations represented in a 24 team tournament. And guess how many Europe had? FOURTEEN! Of course this way of doing things had everything to do with maintaining football standards and absolutely nothing whatever to do with commerce.

(2) CAF - this organisation for reasons best known to itslf insists on staging its ludicrously named biennial tournament 'The Africa Cup of Nations' just six months before the World Cup finals. Do I need to say more?

(3) Corruption - this has continually undermined team morale in the past. Player's fee's, bonus's and expenses are withheld, travel plans altered, accommodation downgraded and kit stolen. This is less of an irritant now than it was as most of the players are well paid by European/Asian clubs and regard placing themselves in a position where they will be ripped off almost as a philanthropic gesture.

And just in case you've forgotten: next year's finals will be the first to be hosted by an African country (one that has a benign European climate and is more white than any other). And again, just in case you've forgotten: all the European countries to have won the Wortld Cup (Italy, Germany, France and er England) have NEVER done so outside Europe (where EIGHT finals have been held).

So next time anyone feels tempted to dis African propsects remember that in footballing matters (and everything else) Africa has the deck stacked against it.

[Jordan]

That second half hurt really badly.

[purpleronnie]

Conclusion from this tournament.. England have nothing to fear.

Italy are poor, Spain didnt look the team they were at the Euro's and Brazil neither look the force they once were in International Football.

Maybe, lets hope so, but it could also show that so called weaker natrions have become a lot stronger and can push the top teams in the world, which could mean the world cup is going to be even tougher to win.

[Radovan's Caravan]

Maybe, lets hope so, but it could also show that so called weaker natrions have become a lot stronger and can push the top teams in the world, which could mean the world cup is going to be even tougher to win.

I couldn't agree more. Europe's historic success in the tournament has been due principally to hosting awards (11 out of the 18 finals to date) and skewed qualification quotas (don't be surprised if UEFA press for more slots in a 40/48 team tournament in 2014/18 thus offsetting reductions in the European quota in the current 32 team set up).

It is almost certain that neither England nor France would have a World Cup win under their belts if they hadn't hosted the Finals. The more interesting speculation though is how many World Cups would Germany or Italy have won if there had never been a World Cup hosted in Europe?

Being generous I'd say one apiece (Italy 1982 Germany 1990).