Confederations Cup Preview

For those of you unfamiliar with the Confederations Cup, here's what it is...
It is held (now) a year before the World Cup by the host country and serves as sort of a tune-up or practice run for the big event. Eight (8) nations are involved: The host country; The defending world cup champion; and the champions of the six confederations: Africa (CAF), Asia (AFC), Oceania (OFC), North, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF), South America (CONMEBOL) and Europe (UEFA). If one nations occupies two spots (Host and Continental Champ), then the runner-up of the continental championship is usually chosen.

The 8 teams are split into two groups and play a round robin. The top two advance to the semi-finals with the winners advancing to the final, the losers play for 3rd place. This year, the two groups are: Group A - South Africa (host), Iraq (2007 AFC Champs), New Zealand (2008 OFC Champs) and Spain (2008 Euro Champs). Group B - Italy (2006 World Cup Champs), Brazil (2007 Copa America Champs), Egypt (2008 Africa Cup of Nations Champ) and the United States (2007 Gold Cup Champs). The event kicks off this Sunday and all matches can be seen live on ESPN-HD and/or ESPN2-HD.

For the U.S. team, this is an extremely difficult group. Italy and Brazil are two of the top teams in the world. The main objective for the U.S. team is to play well, gain experience and get used to the surroundings. Hopefully, the team will qualify for the world cup, and having to play big matches in South Africa a year before the main event can only be an advantage - no matter if the team wins all 3 or loses all 3. Personally, I'll take 3 losses now, and a few wins next summer on the big stage.

What coach Bob Bradley needs to do is use these matches to try some new things - not to sit back in a defensive shell and hope to steal a win with a counter-attack. Now, I'm not suggesting he come out in a 4-3-3 on Monday against Italy, but don't be afraid to push forward, or play a guy or two in a new spot, or even play one of our less capped players.

I think I'll enjoy the next couple of weeks because, for me, there's no pressure on the U.S. Team. Who cares if we win or lose. How we play is of utmost importance. Oh yeah, and getting "out of Africa" injury free is a high priority too. Enjoy the matches. It should be a great teaser for the World Cup next year. As far as who I think will win it?

Spain and Iraq get out of Group A. Brazil and Italy in Group B. Spain over Brazil in the Final. Italy takes 3rd. The U.S. gets 1 win (over Egypt) and loses to Brazil and Italy.

For more in-depth analysis, click here:
http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/index.html