Andres Iniesta, Mario Balotelli and Neymar will all be involved. Credit: Manu Fernandez , Vadim Ghirda, Bill Kostroun/AP/Press Association Images
What is it?
AS A WARM-up to the World Cup, the host nation stages the Confederations Cup a year in advance of the big gig. Current champions of the various continental associations – UEFA (Europe), AFC (Asia), CONCACAF (Central America), CONMBOL (Copa America), CAF (Africa) and OFC (Oceania) – all come together to form an eight-team tournament.
Who is playing in?
The home country Brazil are joined by Spain, Japan, Mexico, Uruguay, Nigeria and surprise package Tahiti. The French Polynesian islanders qualify after winning the Oceania Nations Cup last year. It was the first time ever that neither Australia nor New Zealand were crowned winners. Ranked 138th in the world, they will not be expected to score a goal, never mind earn a point.
Italy make up the list. The Azzurri take the spot allocation to the European champions as runners-up at Euro 2012 as Spain are already there.
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When is it on?
It starts tomorrow and goes on for two weeks with the final being played at the newly-reopened Maracana on June 30.
The Maracana in Rio. Credit: Felipe Dana/AP/Press Association Images
Where can you watch it?
The good news is that RTE are showing it with Darragh Maloney, Richie Sadlier, Kenny Cunningham and Ronnie Whelan on duty – starting with the opener between Brazil and Japan on Saturday evening. The bad news is that it’s delayed coverage in that one due to The Saturday Game between Wicklow and Meath.
Alternatively, BBC 3 also have the rights and are showing it live. As well as the usual MOTD regulars, former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane, Gus Poyet and ex-Nigerian midfielder Sunday Oliseh are on analysis.
Why should you watch it?
The players on show – A glance down at the squad lists and it’s pretty clear that the sides are not looking upon this as a set of insignificant friendlies. Reigning world and European champions Spain have Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres in their ranks and stars such as Neymar, Edison Cavani, Luis Suarez, Mario Balotelli and Andrea Pirlo will all there.
Nicknamed ‘El Matador’, Edison Cavani could soon be making his way to English football. Credit: Schalk van Zuydam/AP/Press Association Images
The match-ups - There are a rake of appetising games in the group stages alone including Brazil v Italy and Spain and Uruguay.
Luis Fabiano (Golden Shoe & Silver Ball) and Kaka (Player of the tournement) during the last Confederations Cup. Credit: Antonio Calanni/AP/Press Association Images
There’s not a whole lot else on - Airtricity League aside, it is close season around much of Europe and many players are on their holliers so it’s the perfect way to feed your football fix.
Follow footballers on Twitter and you will have seen dozens of tweets just like this one. Credit: Twitter
Fixtures
Brazil v Japan (Group A) – Saturday 15, 8pm
Mexico v Italy (Group A) – Sunday 16, 8pm
Spain v Uruguay (Group B) – Sunday 16, 11pm
Tahiti v Nigeria (Group B) – Monday 17, 8pm
Brazil v Mexico (Group A) – Wednesday 19, 8pm
Italy v Japan (Group A) – Wednesday 19, 11pm
Spain v Tahiti (Group B) – Thursday 20, 8pm
Nigeria v Uruguay (Group B) – Thursday 20, 11pm
Italy v Brazil (Group A) – Saturday 22, 8pm
Japan v Mexico (Group A) – Saturday 22, 8pm
Nigeria v Spain (Group B) – Sunday 23, 8pm
Uruguay v Tahiti (Group B) – Sunday 23, 8pm
Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B – Wednesday 26, 8pm
Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A – Thursday 27, 7pm
Everything you need to know about the Confederations Cup
What is it?
AS A WARM-up to the World Cup, the host nation stages the Confederations Cup a year in advance of the big gig. Current champions of the various continental associations – UEFA (Europe), AFC (Asia), CONCACAF (Central America), CONMBOL (Copa America), CAF (Africa) and OFC (Oceania) – all come together to form an eight-team tournament.
Who is playing in?
The home country Brazil are joined by Spain, Japan, Mexico, Uruguay, Nigeria and surprise package Tahiti. The French Polynesian islanders qualify after winning the Oceania Nations Cup last year. It was the first time ever that neither Australia nor New Zealand were crowned winners. Ranked 138th in the world, they will not be expected to score a goal, never mind earn a point.
Italy make up the list. The Azzurri take the spot allocation to the European champions as runners-up at Euro 2012 as Spain are already there.
When is it on?
It starts tomorrow and goes on for two weeks with the final being played at the newly-reopened Maracana on June 30.
Where can you watch it?
The good news is that RTE are showing it with Darragh Maloney, Richie Sadlier, Kenny Cunningham and Ronnie Whelan on duty – starting with the opener between Brazil and Japan on Saturday evening. The bad news is that it’s delayed coverage in that one due to The Saturday Game between Wicklow and Meath.
Alternatively, BBC 3 also have the rights and are showing it live. As well as the usual MOTD regulars, former Ireland international Kevin Kilbane, Gus Poyet and ex-Nigerian midfielder Sunday Oliseh are on analysis.
Why should you watch it?
The players on show – A glance down at the squad lists and it’s pretty clear that the sides are not looking upon this as a set of insignificant friendlies. Reigning world and European champions Spain have Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres in their ranks and stars such as Neymar, Edison Cavani, Luis Suarez, Mario Balotelli and Andrea Pirlo will all there.
The match-ups - There are a rake of appetising games in the group stages alone including Brazil v Italy and Spain and Uruguay.
There’s not a whole lot else on - Airtricity League aside, it is close season around much of Europe and many players are on their holliers so it’s the perfect way to feed your football fix.
Fixtures
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Brazil Confederations Cup international Italy Mexico Spain Tahiti