2013 Confederations Cup Battle For Third Match Preview: Uruguay Vs. Italy

Venue: Salvador Date:  30 June 2013 The Verdict:  Italy finishes 3rd in Confeds Cup (2-1) Cesar Prandelli shall enter Salvador with high hopes that Gli Azurri will finish third in the 2013 Confederations. And why not? The squad forced the Spaniards into a 120-minute match that ended in a 7-6 penalty score in favor of La Roja. Although it could have secured a spot in the final, what is more important to Prandelli is his team’s ability...

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2013 Confederations Cup Finale Preview: Spain vs. Brazil

It’s a match made in heaven: the defending champions versus the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 UEFA EURO Cup holders. This may come as a surprise, but Spain seems at a disadvantage in the finals. La Roja barely escaped the clutches of Italy in the semifinals when the latter forced them into a penalty shoot-out. If it wasn’t for Leonardo Bonucci’s mistake, Gli Azzurri might’ve taken the victory. Also, Brazil’s playing style could pose a problem...

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2013 Confederations Cup: Spain Overturns Italy 7-6 in Penalty Shoot-Out

Spain burst Italy’s hopes of appearing in the 2013 Confederations Cup finals with an anticlimactic victory last June 27. Neither team was able to score for 120 minutes, forcing a penalty shootout which Spain won 7-6. Jesus Navas’ spot-kick, combined with Leonardo Bonucci’s failure to score in the shoot-out, sealed the fate of Gli Azzurri. Italy looked crippled without Mario Balotelli, with the likes of Christian Maggio, Daniele De Rossi,...

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2013 FIFA U-20 Match Preview: Paraguay vs. Greece

So far, Paraguay and Greece are tied in Group D. Whether the same trend will apply to their scores in their June 28 match remains to be seen, though.   La Albirroja had a shaky start in the first-round of the qualifying tournament. They had to down Bolivia 5-1, and pull off the same feat with hosts Argentina. Also, their balanced team and attacking prowess weren’t enough to nudge them ahead of a draw with Mali, not to mention scoring...

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Paulinho Brings Brazil To Confed Cup Finals

Brazil advances to the finals with Paulinho scoring the heroic goal on the 86th. The down the wire match ended with a 2-1 victory in favor of the Selecaos. Sealed with a seemingly sarcastic kiss meant for La Celeste’s Alvaro Gonzalez, Neymar did the honors of throwing a free kick after Brazil earned a corner. With all precision and might, Paulinho defied the Uruguayan defence and converted. The Brazilians took an early lead in the match. Paulinho’s...

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2013 FIFA U-20 Match Preview: Korea vs. Nigeria

The upcoming match between Korea and Nigeria is shaping up to be a tight one. For one, both teams proved that they can give tournament favorite Portugal a run for its money. Korea surprised the European team with a come-from-behind draw, thanks to the efforts of Kim Hyun and Ryu Seungwoo. Nigeria didn’t do so bad against Bruma and Alberto Aladje’s team either, though the Flying Eagles weren’t fortunate enough to overcome their 2-3 loss to Portugal. Nigeria,...

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2013 FIFA U-20 Match Preview: Portugal vs. Cuba

Fresh from their defeat against Nigeria, Cuba isn’t likely to see its fortunes improve as it faces the tournament favorites on June 27—Portugal. The team led by Edgar Borges already downed Nigeria 3-2 the other day. Unlike the Flying Eagles, Portugal will not allow scoring opportunities to slip by unnoticed. In particular, striker Alberto Aladje and winger Bruma can easily blaze through the defenses of untested opponents like Cuba. Raul...

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U-20 Match Preview: Ghana Vs. USA

Venue: Kayseri The Verdict: Ghana Continues In U-20 Feat as USA exits, 2-1 A hard-fought victory is Ghana’s only option to advance in FIFA’s U-20. The Black Satellites is at the edge of exiting Turkey when it lost its opening match against France and just recently, Spain. After clinching the championship trophy last 2009, Ghana struggles for failing to snatch a point and being pushed at the bottom of the Group stage. USA’s situation is no different...

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Spain Vs. Italy

Venue: Fortaleza Date: 28 June 2013 Prediction: Italy Exits Brazil Injuries, weak defence and poor scoring caused Italy to lose its campaign in the Confederations Cup. On the other hand, the all mighty Spain is comfortably looks forward to securing the only international trophy that it lacks. Spain and Italy will continue their rivalry in the Confederations Cup. After losing the Euro Cup to Spain last year, Gli Azurri seeks revenge. Yet, Italy’s...

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Brazil vs. Uruguay (Semi-Finals)

The verdict of the FIFA gods is out: Brazil and Uruguay will face off for the first semi-finals match of the 2013 Confederations Cup. (The second semi-finals match will take place on June 27, local time, between Spain and Italy.) Of the four semi-finalists, Uruguay is the team most likely to land in fourth place. It can be argued that the only reason coach Oscar Tabarez’s team made it this far is their clobbering of Tahiti 8-0, which isn’t saying...

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Brazil Set To Meet Uruguay In Confeds Cup’s Semis

Brazil has plenty of reasons to celebrate its 4-2 win against Italy in the Confederations Cup.  Dante scored his first competitive goal, Fred made his first double and with Neymar making his third strike, the battle in Salvador highlighted the Selecao’s strong bid for the silverware. Several minutes before the half-time, Dante broke the seemingly long spell of failed attempts and defensive attacks, when he converted off of a piece situation...

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Chicharito Redeems Mexican Pride

Mexico exits Brazil but with heads held high after pulling a victory against Japan. The match ended with a 2-1 score in favor of El Tri. The triumph was Mexico’s first and last in the 2013 Confederations Cup. Jose Manuel de la Torre and his men may have struggled throughout the tournament, following two (2) consecutive wins against Italy and Brazil. Chicharito, however, redeemed the squad’s pride after nailing two (2) goals in Belo Horizonte. Chicharito...

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Spain Advances to Semifinals with 3-0 Over Nigeria

Despite an aggressive first-half play by their opponents, Spain cruised to the semi-finals with a 3-0 win against Nigeria last Sunday in Fortaleza. Nigeria, led by Ahmed Musaab, kept Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes on his feet with seven scoring opportunities, an incredible feat against La Roja. Spain wasn’t its usual formidable self, and missed several goals in the first half. The red-and-yellow team was fortunate in that Nigeria couldn’t...

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Uruguay Eliminates Tahiti 8-0, Lands Semi-Finals Spot

Uruguay secured itself a slot in the semi-finals after railroading Tahiti 8-0 today.  It was the third straight loss for the 2012 OFC Nations Cup winners, who will go home as the bottom-ranked team in Group B and the entire competition. Tahiti had previously lost to Nigeria 1-6 and Spain 0-10. Of Uruguay’s eight goals, four were made by Abel Hernandez. The 22-year-old striker wasted no time as he struck a Nicolas Lodeiro corner within the...

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Forlan Marks 100th Cap As Uruguay Win Against Nigeria

Diego Forlan celebrated his 100th cap with style as he clinched Uruguay’s 2-1 victory against Nigeria at Arena Fonte Nova. Forlan snatched the lead when he converted a cross from Edinson Cavani during the 51st minute. Yet, more important than the triumph is the fact that Forlan is now joining Italy’s Andrea Pirlo in the list of players who have had 100 caps. After a disappointing defeat against Spain, La Celeste is now pitted to advance in...

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Spain Scores Record Breaking Win Over Tahiti

Estadio Do  Maracana saw the World Cup titleholder, Spain lambasted the brave Tahiti with an all-time high 10-0 win last Thursday. The victory earned the football giants a spot on the semis and a world record. The Spaniards was off to a scoring rage during the match. Fernando Torres missed a penalty, but scored four (4). Davild Villa mad a hat-trick, while David Silva had two (2) and Juan Mata scored a goal. Nevertheless, Tahiti unleashed...

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Mexico vs. Japan

Date: 23 June 2013  Venue: Belo The verdict: Japan Redeems Pride, 3-2 Japan and Mexico have already lost their bid for the Confederations Cup trophy. Their upcoming match, however, promises a spectacle of pure and unadulterated struggle for national pride and honor. With both teams passionate enough to prevent a disgraceful slip to the bottom, Japan exemplifies a stronger determination to redeem its fallen squad. It is never hard to...

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Italy Vs. Brazil

Date: 23 June 2013  Venue: Salvador The verdict: Italy Bows Down To Brazil, 2-1 Brazil and Italy shall meet in a deciding match to vie for the top spot in Group A of the Confederations Cup. Both teams are already entering the semis. But with the Selecaos playing more comfortably at home, Brazil has all the edge to emerge as the group leader. What the numbers tell Gil Azurris and The Selecaos are tied with six (6) points each. However, Felipe...

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Italy Goes To Confed Cup Semis

Italy secured its spot in the Confederations Cup’s semis after its heart-pounding 4-3 triumph over Japan. Sebastian Giovinco scored the deciding goal upon converting a cross from Claudio Marchiso on the 86th minute. The match was never an easy feat for the Azurris. Chris Prandelli and his men struggled throughout the first-half that resulted to Japan’s first two (2) goals. Keisuke Honda after a great tackle with Gianlugi Buffon, converted a penalty...

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Brazil Advances To The Semis, Neymar Did It Again

Neymar repeated history when he scored Brazil’s first goal against Mexico and rallied the Selecao’s 2-0 win in the Confederations Cup. The Brazilians are now ensured of a spot in the semis and will soon meet Italy after defeating Japan.  The uprising young player opened the match with a bang when he volleyed a goal in the 9th minute. It was not the first time that the new Barcelona recruit made a grand opening for Brazil. The battle against...

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Jordan Books Third Place in Group B After 1-0 Win Over Oman

Around six hours after Australia shocked Iraq 1-0, Jordan posted a similar score against Oman at the King Abdullah International Stadium in Amman. Like the Socceroos, Jordan found its footing late in the game. Oman dominated the first half, leaving Jordan scoreless at first. Qasim Said’s counter-attack was saved by Jordan keeper Amer Shafi, while Ismail al-Ajmi’s grazed the left post at the 26th minute mark. Khali Bani Ateyah made a superb...

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Australia Routs Iraq 1-0, Qualifies for 2014 FIFA World Cup

Unfortunately for Iraq, their opponent last Tuesday had a knack for making late, match-breaking goals. Josh Kennedy from The Land Down Under kicked past goalkeeper Noor Sabri at the 83rd minute mark to defeat Iraq 1-0 and qualify Australia for its third consecutive World Cup. Kennedy was a last-minute substitute for veteran Tim Cahill. This move courtesy of Coach Holger Osieck paid off, as the 30-year-old striker teamed up with Mark Bresciano...

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Iran and 3 Other Squads Acquire 2014 World Cup Ticket

In another down the wire Asian qualifying match, Iran outclassed its archrival, Korea Republic with a 1-0 victory to secure its World Cup berth next year.  Iran earned its sweet revenge after Reza Ghoochannejhad nailed a left-footed shot off of a counter-attack against Kim Younggwon on the 59th minute. Korea Republic tried to regain momentum and made several attempts to score an equalizer, yet, the prolific Rahman Ahmadi denied them twice. The...

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2014 World Cup Qualifiers Match Preview: Korea Republic Vs. Iran

Venue: Munsu Football Stadium Date: 18 June 2013 Munsu Football Stadium shall witnessed one of the most awaited rivalries in the World Cup’s Asian qualifiers as Korea Republic meets Iran this 18 June 2013. What is at stake? It is no other than an automatic ticket to Brazil. The battle between Team Melli and Taeguk Warriors is never their first encounter. The two have already met in six (6) World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming face-off becomes...

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Spain Topples Uruguay, Takes An Early Lead In The Group Stage

Spain is off to an early start in their 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup when they snatched a 2-1 victory against Uruguay.  The exciting battle in Recife might serve as a premonition to what Spain plans to achieve in the tournament. The match saw La Furia Roja dominate. Fabregas had his early attempt, but to no avail. However, Pedro’s right-footed shot sealed the first goal of the match. Unfortunately for La Celeste, the Spaniards are in the...

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Italy Wins 2013 Confederation Cup Match with Mexico

For Andrea Pirlo, it was a sweet victory to cap off his 100th international match. Thanks to the dynamic duo of Pirlo and Mario Balotelli, Mexico bowed down to the Gli Azzurri 1:2 last June 16 (local time) at the Maracana. In the first half, Balotelli made a kick powerful enough to hand the lead to the Italians. All throughout the game, the forward proved to be too much for the Mexicans’ defense to handle, though Jose Corona saved El Tri...

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Tahiti Steals The Limelight During Nigeria’s 6-1 Victory

Nigeria claimed its first victory in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup as they ravaged Tahiti with a 6-1 triumph in Belo Horizonte last 18 June 2013. In one of the Confederations Cup’s finest moments, Nnamdi Oduamadi raked a hat trick for the Super Eagles. Nevertheless, it was Jonathan Tehau’s historic shot that highlighted the match. Tehau, scored Team Fenua’s first goal in the said tournament. The memorable header came during the 54th minute...

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Italy Vs. Japan

The upcoming match between Italy and Japan proved to be an uphill battle for the Blue Samurais. After failing to score against the crowd-favorite, Brazil, Zaccheroni and his men will have to go through blood and fire as they face the rest of the Gli Azzurri in Recife this 20 June 2013. There’s no denying that Japan is a force to reckon with in the Confederations Cup. However, the current circumstances tend to favor Italy. Once and for all,...

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Brazil Kicks-Off A 3-0 Win Over Japan In The Confederations Cup

Host nation Brazil refused to lose in its own soil as it clinched a 3-0 win against the equally aggressive Japan last 16 June 2013. Dubbed as the Confederations Cup’s “3rd fastest goal” football prodigy, Neymar scored the first goal of the match 3 minutes after the grand kick-off. The so-called “Messi’s heir” was eventually voted as Man of the Match. Prior to the encounter, the young player has been under the scrutiny of naysayers due to his...

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2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Match Preview: Nigeria vs. Uruguay

In the Uruguay vs. Nigeria match on June 21 (June 20, 16:00 Salvador time), we’ll see veteran experience battle it out with youthful energy. Uruguay is still smarting from its 1-2 loss against Spain, but it may have a better chance of winning against Nigeria. Going against football behemoths can teach your team a thing or two about playing high-intensity football, after all. The South American football club has excellent strikers in Edison Cavani...

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2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Match Preview: Mexico vs. Italy

Tournament favorites Italy will debut in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup with a match against CONCACAF champions Mexico on June 16. Let’s take a closer look at how the two teams might fare against each other. Goalkeeping Two of the world’s best goalkeepers will battle it out on Sunday: Jesus Corona and Gianluigi Buffon for Mexico and Italy, respectively. If Mexico’s CONCACAF games are any indication, the country’s hopes rest heavily on Corona...

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