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FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP:



RUSSIA PRELUDE

The tenth edition of the forecasting FIFA Confederations Cup is set to kick off in Russia and we are set to be treated to another summer of football festivity as the entire world gears up for the main dish to be served in Russia come the 2018 World Cup.

The Confederations cup though not really held highly by many, is fast becoming an important competition that should not be held high handedly. At least, for this summer, we would be comforted for the absence of the enthralling league sessions with champions across six continents and the world champions as well, locking horns for utmost supremacy ahead of the 2018 mundial.

As we rub our palms in waiting, what is there to expect in Russia?

RONALDO EYEING ONE MORE GLORY

There may be talks of tax evasion allegations in Spain but the Portugal talisman would be out for more glory in an already trophy laden 2017. Having led Real Madrid to a record 33 La Liga title success as well as a third UEFA Champions League crown in four seasons and with a more than impressive strike rate, Ronaldo is fully primed to take up another responsibility of leading Portugal to glory in Russia.

A Seleccao were surprise winners at the Euro 2017 after a late goal from Eder, with Ronaldo barking from the touchlines, helped qualify Fernando Santos’ men for their first ever appearance at the Confederations Cup. The Portuguese national team has been pitted in Group A along with hosts Russia as well as OFC Champions, New Zealand and CONCACAF Champions, Mexico in what looks a tight group.  

However, they would be optimistic of their chances with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Joao Moutinho of title winning Monaco and new AC Milan recruit, Adre Silva in the ranks. 

Ronaldo who is looking set for a fifth Balon d’or crown would be pinning to add the Confederations Cup to his collections this year while Portugal would be out to lay down a marker ahead of the World Cup.

YOUNG GERMANY SIDE TO PROVE POINT

Joachim Loew has sparked a lot of debate with his call ups for the Confederations Cup with a number of top guns rested. The world champions are to undertake their third confederations cup campaign without some key players from the World Cup winning team of 2014.

 Indeed the likes of  Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Manuel Nuer(injured), Jerome Boateng, Mesut Ozil and Matts Hummels are all set to sit out.

The head coach has however defended his decision and has offered that he wished to rest his top guns ahead of further assignments while trying out a number of young quality talents that would be useful in the future. While this has sparked debates over how the coach rates the competition, Loew is convinced he has enough quality in the side and would bank on the likes of Julian Draxler, Joshua Kimmich, Shkodran Mustafi, Emre Can and Sandro Wagner among others to prove a point in Russia.

The Die Mannshaft are pitted in group B with African Champions, Cameroon and AFC Champions, Austrailia as well as CONMEBOL Champions, Chile.

CHILE GUNNING FOR HONOUR

Having denied rivals Argentina yet another Copa America title in 2015, Juan Antonio Pizzi’s men would be out to prepare for the World Cup in the best way possible when they take on World Champions, Germany as well as Cameroon and Australia in the Confederations Cup.

 The tournament would mark their first appearance at and they would be ready to challenge.
La Roja would have confidence with the likes of Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal , Claudio Bravo of Mancity  Gary Medel of Inter Milan and  Arturo Vidal in the ranks.

CAMEROON TO FLY AFRICA FLAG

The Indomitable Lions won the 2017 African Cup of Nations in January and would be representing the continent as they make their second appearance at the Confederations Cup. The West Africans were finalists in 2003 where they lost to France and they would be hoping for another run.

Hugo Broos’ men would however have to negotiate a somewhat difficult group with World Champions, Germany and Chile in the pool but would be confident of their chances with stars like Andre Onana of Ajax, Benjamin Moukandjo of Lorient and Vincent Aboubakar up front.

RUSSIA TO HOST IMPRESSIVE TOURNAMENT

A lot has been said about Russia’s hosting of the tournament and the World Cup next year with a few sceptism. However, the Russians would be out to host an impressive tournament with the promise of a better show at the world cup proper.

The national team is also experiencing a few changes with Lenoid Slutsky out as well as some new faces coming in. The hosts have been pitted in Goup A with Portugal, New Zealand and Mexico, all champions of their respective confederations and would be out to put up a good showing especially after a poor Euro 2016 campaign last year. 

Stanislav Cherchesov’s men would open the tournament on Saturday with a clash against OFC Champions, New Zealand.

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