When FIFA adopted the King Fahd Cup, rechristened it the Confederations Cup and transformed it into a global event, the tournament seemed to have sealed a permanent deal. Instead, into its 25th year and 10th edition — it all started in Saudi Arabia as a four-team competition in 1992 — uncertainty looms over its future.
The Confederations Cup has always evoked mixed feelings. While some managers regarded it as an opportunity to test the bench strength and gain knowledge on the conditions — with the World Cup to follow at the same venue a year later — there were others who viewed it as a waste of time. For the players, it came during their summer vacation – a time to put their feet up.
However, the call of duty has forced many to sacrifice their holidays and don the National colours. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo, who deserves a break more than any other player given his long and productive season at Real Madrid, has decided to lead Portugal’s challenge. The Real star will be eager to make his, and Portugal’s, Confederations debut a memorable one.
Similarly, striker Alexis Sanchez, despite a tiring season at Arsenal, has put his hand up for Chile; so has midfielder Arturo Vidal, who played a big role in Bayern Munich’s fifth straight triumph in the Bundesliga. The presence of Sanchez and Vidal makes the Chileans hot contenders for the crown.
Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, who leads Mexico’s all-time scoring chart with 47 goals, will spearhead his country’s campaign while Germany coach Joachim Low has plumped for youth and named just three players — Matthias Ginter, Julian Draxler and Shkodran Mustafi — from the World Cup-winning 2016 squad.
Low has never been a big fan of the competition and it’s no surprise he is flying to Russia with an inexperienced squad.
“There has been a lot of talk about the use of the Confederations Cup, but the fact remains it is on the calendar,” said Low. “We will prepare for it like we did for the World Cup and Euros, but the World Cup remains the end goal.
“The Confederations Cup is just a stop on our way to the World Cup, a good warm-up for 2018. We are going to the competition with a team that has a lot of potential, but we do not have a clear goal. It is all about preparing for the World Cup.”
The other sides in the fray — African champion Cameroon, Australia (Asia), New Zealand (Oceania) and host Russia — have the potential to create a ripple or two. Knowing that this could well be the final edition, the teams will be keen to etch their names on the honours board.
KEY NOTES
Who gets to play?
The winners of FIFA’s regional championships (UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, AFC, OFC), the World Cup holder and the host line up for kick off.
Most successful team
Who else but Brazil! It has won four times (1997, 2005, 2009, 2013), but wouldn’t be there in Russia for a shot at its fourth straight crown. Instead, reigning Copa America champion Chile will take the field.
Surprise, surprise
Canada, anything but a football powerhouse, held the mighty Brazilians to a goalless draw in the 2001 edition in Japan/Korea. “We didn’t have a lot of the ball on the day but we weren’t fazed by that. We had some strong characters and we stood firm.” recalled Canada goalkeeper Craig Forrest.
Touching the sky
Tahiti made it to Brazil 2013 against all odds, becoming the first team other than Australia or New Zealand from the Oceania region to play in a FIFA tournament. It conceded 24 goals and tasted defeat in all its games, but stole hearts through its sheer presence. “It was our moment in the stars. I will never forget the crowds or what they did for us. It was unforgettable,” said goalkeeper Mickael Roche.
Moral victory
In the 2009 instalment in South Africa, Iraq coach Bora Milutinovic was over the moon despite his team losing to Spain. “I was smiling from ear to ear after the game. I was asked why I was smiling after losing a game. I saw it this way: Spain scored a goal and we didn’t. So they won, but we did not lose.”
THE SCHEDULE
Group A: Russia, Portugal, New Zealand, Mexico
Group B: Germany, Chile, Cameroon, Australia
June 17: Russia vs New Zealand, St. Petersburg, 8.30 p.m.
June 18: Portugal vs Mexico, Kazan, 8.30 p.m.
Cameroon vs Chile, Moscow, 11.30 p.m.
June 19: Australia vs Germany, Sochi, 8.30 p.m.
June 21: Russia vs Portugal, Moscow, 8.30 p.m.
Mexico vs New Zealand, Sochi, 11.30 p.m.
June 22: Cameroon vs Australia, St. Petersburg, 8.30 p.m.
Germany vs Chile, Kazan, 11.30 p.m.
June 24: Mexico vs Russia, Kazan, 8.30 p.m.
New Zealand vs Portugal, St. Petersburg, 8.30 p.m.
June 25: Germany vs Cameroon, Sochi, 8.30 p.m.
Chile vs Australia, Moscow, 8.30 p.m.
June 28: First semifinal: Winner of Group A vs Runner-up of Group B, Kazan, 11.30 p.m.
June 29: Second semifinal: Winner of Group B vs Runner-up of Group A, Sochi, 11.30 p.m.
July 2: Third-place play-off, Moscow, 5.30 p.m.
Final: St. Petersburg, 11.30 p.m.
All times IST.
