The 2014 World Cup is only one year a way and while many nations across the globe continue their group qualifying matches, various teams from each of the FIFA zones are also preparing for this summer's Confederations Cup. A tournament that showcases some of the best team and individual talent in the game, the 2013 Confederations Cup will certainly be a great prerequisite to the World Cup and it's set to begin in June of 2014 from Brazil.
Defending World Cup champion Spain is one of the favorites to win the 2013 CONFED Cup and along with strong teams such as Japan, Mexico, Italy and host nation Brazil, the field of talent is tremendous. As the tournament gets set to begin, here's a complete look at what you'll need to know to stay up to date throughout the 15-day tournament.
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CONFED Cup Start Date and Group Info
Start Date: Saturday, June 15th
Teams In Group A: Brazil, Mexico, Italy and Japan
Teams In Group B: Spain, Nigeria, Tahiti, Uruguay
*The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinal round
Tournament Television and Live Stream Coverage
ESPN television will be anchoring the 2013 Confederations Cup while an on-line feed with be offered by WatchESPN. Check local listings for complete game dates and start times.
CONFED Cup Team & Player Breakdown - Brazil
The Brazilian Nationals will be expected to perform at a high level at this year's cup considering the level of talent the team possesses and because they'll play each match in front of the home crowd. Currently ranked No. 22 in the FIFA rankings - a mark that won't sit well with Brazil faithful - the blue and yellow will be led throughout the tournament and the approaching World Cup by rising star Neymar. Recently joining Lionel Messi at Barcelona, the superstar is out to prove his worth as one of the best talents in the game. A premier forward, Neymar will certainly have the opportunity to be the main focal point since the Brazilians don't boast as much star-power as in previous years. They'll open the tournament Saturday against Japan.
Spain
Widely considered the team to beat in Brazil, Spain currently sits atop the FIFA soccer rankings. A loaded roster consisting of Sergio Ramos, Pedro, Jordi Alba, Cesc Fabregas and Iker Casillas, the Spanish national team will certainly be in the title hunt during the upcoming tournaments. Spain opens up their Confederations Cup slate against Uruguay on Sunday, June 16th. The defending European and World Cup champions, you'll want to follow this team on a regular basis.
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Japan
Winning the Asian Cup in 2011 to qualify for this event, Japan is the only them outside of the Brazilian nationals to qualify for next year's World Cup. The premier team in Asia, Japan is certainly capable of performing well in the CONFED Cup and at the World Cup next summer because of the strong individual talent they possess. The duo of Shinji Okazaki and Shinji Kagawa provides the team with tremendous goal-scoring capability. In the recent World Cup qualifying cycle, Okazaki connected for 8 goals while his counterpart added 4.
Italy
One of the favorites to win the Confederations Cup, Italy is among the most talented soccer teams in the world. Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli will be the two to pace the squad throughout this tournament as well and while there is great balance up and down the roster, this pairing will be the one to watch. Combining for 4 goals in recent World Cup qualifying, Balotelli and Pirlo will continue to see loads of time of the field for an Italy team expecting big things in the next 2 tournaments.
Mexico
Despite dealing with recent struggles on the offensive end in CONCACAF qualifying, El Tri remains near the top of their hexagonal as they continue to battle with the likes of Costa Rica and the United States. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez is the driving force behind the Mexican national offense and if Mexico doesn't find a way to get him consistent support, they could find themselves in trouble heading into the upcoming tournaments. Giovani dos Santos, Pablo Barrera and Andres Guardado are all capable assets and along with veteran Jose Corona in goal, Mexico should be able to make some noise IF they can find cohesiveness on the offensive end.
Uruguay
Ranked No. 19 by FIFA, the Uruguayan national team qualified for the CONFED Cup by winning the 2011 Copa America. Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan provide the team with a formidable core that will be able to compete in most matches. Starting their Confederations Cup schedule on Sunday, June 16th, Uruguay will get a great test from Spain.
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Tahiti
Tahiti won the 2012 OFC Nations Cup but in two separate friendlies against New Zealand the team looked lost, dropping both by a combined 5-0 score. It remains to be seen what this squad will be able to do moving forward. Lorenzo Tehau and Alvin Tehau lead the team in scoring through qualifying and they'll certainly need to continue their strong play if Tahiti is to have any chance of competing at the CONFED Cup.
Nigeria
Winning the African Cup of Nations in South Africa this year, Nigeria will not be overlooked at the CONFED Cup. Ranked No. 31 in the FIFA Rankings, the Nigerian nationals are led by Nnamdi Oduamadi and Ikechukwu Uche. Currently pacing Africa's Group F in World Cup qualifying, Nigeria has a two-point lead on Malawi as they continue their pursuit of advancing to the 2014 Brazil games.
With the 2013 Confederations Cup starting on Saturday, June 15th, be sure to stay up-to-date with match times so you can watch your favorite teams in action.
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