A great final match between Brazil vs Argentina, with Germany coming on 3rd place. After the previous editions when the finals were between France vs Cameroon, Brazil vs Australia and so on. Yes or no?
This Confed Cup was definately a great tournament. Even though pretty much every team was missing a few regulars and the coaches used it to experiment a little. But everyone was hot, as this was a big chance for the new players to show that they deserve a World Cup spot. This is still a minor tournament when it comes to its reputation, but for the audience it was as good as it gets and for the teams participating it was a great rehersal for the World Cup. So it definately wasn't a Mickey Mouse tournament. Every team was serious about winning in every game. Now that it's only played every four years before the World Cup the Confed Cup will definately be more of a real competition.
Good point. If the tournament starts getting more respect, this will be the reason. Before, when every other Confederations Cup was a warm-down after the World Cup, no one could take it seriously. No doubt the 2005 version was great. But no tournament always has great matches through and through. The greatness of the 2005 Confederations Cup won't make the 2009 tourney any greater- only team and fan interest can do that. Now that it's being held every four years, in the summer prior to the World Cup, it looks to hold a bit more importance for the players- especially those who are looking to impress their coaches for the real thing.
i like the idea of the tourment and enjoy seeing "competitive" matches between confederations. I do see a problem for the next one. It will be played in South Africa. How many people will be in the stands for a Japan-Mexico match for example. Atmosphere will be dead for most games, unless admission is dirt cheap or even free.
I can see your point, but the Confederation cup is a preparation for the WC Finals. If it is held elsewhere, it will be unimportant. Plus, South Africa will hold a tournament in the summer of 2009 just liked the USA Cup and the 4-nations Cup in 1998.