So, you were sulking in the fact that this year’s European club soccer season has come to an end, weren’t you.  Well, have no fear for the national scene is here.  World Cup qualifiers have been in progress for a week now across the globe, but beginning this Saturday, the games will be played for trophies.  On tap first is the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup being staged in Russia, with the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup taking place in the United States in July (the Gold Cup Preview is July 4th).  This, article will pump you up with excitement, and prime you for the matches to come in the FIFA Confederations Cup. 

FIFA Confederations Cup

First introduced in Saudi Arabia, in 1992, as the King Fahd Cup, now called the FIFA Confederations Cup, is now played every four years, consisting of eight teams from across the globe.  Six of the contestants are recent champions from each countries respected confederation.  One contestant is the reigning World Cup champion, with the remaining participant being the host nation.  For this year’s iteration, Germany (UEFA) represents the World Cup slot as the Germans are the reigning Champions from World Cup 2014 in Brazil.  Meanwhile Portugal (UEFA), Chile (COMEBOL), Mexico (CONCACAF), Cameroon (CAF), Australia (AFC), and New Zealand (OFC) occupy the confederation spots.  The final slot will be taken by Russia (UEFA), host of the competition.

The tournament features two groups of four nations, with the top two finishers in each bracket advancing to the semifinals.  Once in the knockout rounds, the semifinals and final are one off matches, winner take all.  Lastly, this competition not only provides us with some of the world’s best squads, but will be a sort of a test run for host Russia, as they continue to prepare for next year’s World Cup.  Thus, all eyes will be on a country that has its fair share of “hooligans,” who will be sure to try to put their stamp on proceedings. 

During EURO 2016 Russian “hooligans” descended upon France and started riots in city streets, fights in the stands, and shot flares onto the pitch, endangering the players and surrounding supporters.  The actions of these men reached such a point that UEFA threatened to disqualify the Russian national team from the EURO’s if the incidents continued to occur.  

In addition to the physical outbursts towards opposing teams, less than a year before the 2014 Winter Olympics were held in Russia, an anti-gay law was unanimously approved by the Russian government. The Russian fans and government have made clear the exclusionary beliefs. It will be with weighted shoulders that many countries enter the 2018 World Cup, as they believe in the principals behind UEFA’s No to Racism mantra, which is represented each game on the captains armband.  Due to all of this, the actions of the Russian hosts will be magnified. Hopefully, we will all be pleasantly surprised with a gracious, inclusive, open armed host to all players and countries.

Group Stage Schedule

Group A

June 17, 2017        Russia vs New Zealand    11:00AM EST

June 18, 2017        Portugal vs Mexico        11:00AM EST

June 21, 2017        Russia vs Portugal         11:00AM EST

June 21, 2017        Mexico vs New Zealand     02:00PM EST

June 24, 2017        Mexico vs Russia        11:00AM EST

June 24, 2017        New Zealand vs Portugal    11:00AM EST    

Group B

June 18, 2017        Cameroon vs Chile        02:00PM EST

June 19, 2017        Australia vs Germany        11:00AM EST

June 22, 2017        Cameroon vs Australia     11:00AM EST

June 22, 2017        Germany vs Chile        02:00PM EST

June 25, 2017        Germany vs Cameroon    11:00AM EST

June 25, 2017        Chile vs Australia         11:00AM EST

Group Stage Predictions

Group A

Group A features host Russia, Portugal, Mexico, and New Zealand.  The Kiwis, which have appeared on three other occasions, will simply be happy to participate in the tournament’s festivities as New Zealand will lose all three matches, likely by a considerable amount.  Russia however is and intriguing group member.  They pale in comparison to Portugal and Mexico as a team, but with playing every match behind a home crowd, the Russians just might sneak past Mexico into the second spot.  Mexico, meanwhile is favored to finish second, as national team record goalscorer, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez leads El Tri’s line.  As for Portugal, they have a four time, soon to be five time, Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo on the squad.  Enough said.  

1. Portugal    2. Mexico    3. Russia    4. New Zealand

Group B

Group B includes defending World Cup winners Germany, Chile, Australia, and Cameroon.  Die Mannschaft is a lock to win the group, despite the rather youthful squad that’s being sent.  Instead of Manuel Neuer, it’ll be Marc Andre Ter-Stegen between the sticks.  No Mesut Ozil or Thomas Muller, no problem, Julian Draxler and Timo Werner will slice and score.  The list really does goes on and on, Germany is that loaded.  Meanwhile,  Australia and Cameroon will battle things out for third and fourth place, as their overall quality simply doesn’t compare to South America’s back-to-back Copa winners in Chile.  Led by Arsenal forward, Alexis Sanchez, and a physical philosophy, Chile should advance with ease.

1. Germany    2. Chile    3. Cameroon    4. Australia

So there you have it.  The group stage is set and my predictions have been made.  Now let’s sit back, sip a cervesa, and enjoy the beautiful game.  Be sure to tune in next week as I focus on the summer transfer market, as well as for June 27th’s article as I preview the Confederation Cup semifinals and final.  Salud!