In the World Of Football there is never a dull moment, two weeks ago we had the UEFA Champions league finals, the International qualifiers and friendlies then followed, now before us is a dress rehearsal for the World Cup next year, The FIFA Confederations Cup. The atmosphere promises to be terrific as Russia still has an image to protect in the light of hooligans that abound in the Country and events in the recent past. So these are the things a football fan should expect from the showpiece in Russia.
A Welcoming Atmosphere
The Confederations Cups kicks off at St. Petersburg today as Russia hosts New Zealand, but images of Russian fans attacking opposing fans at the Euros last year would still be fresh in the mind of travelling supporters. Phone footages emerged of gangs dishing out brutal beatings to unsuspecting football fans, fast forward one year the Russians will be keen and indeed eager to wipe any doubts in the minds of visitors about her ability to stage a competition. Football's governing body FIFA has also made it clear that referees can also stop games if a fan abuses a footballer. All these and more would no doubt spur the average Russian for a best behavior to say the least.
President Vladmir Putin has issued a decree tightening security for several weeks in the four host cities, the decree sets restrictions to access and activities in those cities.
"We are increasing our work on all fronts: both inside the Country and co-operating with all foreign partners who are ready to help." Alexei Lavrishchev told the BBC, Lavrishchev is the deputy head of the FSB Intelligence service.
Former Chelsea midfielder Alexei Smertin who is Russian football's anti racism inspector said racism is an issue that exists everywhere "but we will show our warm reception for all despite their continent or nationality."
The Stars Will Shine
The season is over and National team duties have taken centre stage ever since, there are a lot of big name and big game players who are heading into the competition though jaded after a long season but will no doubt smell blood and will be longing to shine as well on the international stage once again.
Cameroun who were once indomitable on the African continent were surprising underdogs in the AFCON held in January which they won, they were short of their more established stars in the African tournament but found a way to win the trophy thereby booking their place in the Confederations Cup. Christian Bassogog and Vincent Aboubacar are undisputed starts in this African side and will be well aware of the fact that they carry the hopes of Africa and of course the World will be watching.
New Zealand and Australia are regulars in this competition and will also be looking to make their experience count, surely they are not here to make up the numbers. Javier Hernandez who recently became Mexico's all time leading scorer will also be looking to make it count against former Real Madrid teammates Fabio Contreao and Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile Alexis Sanchez will have the bitter taste of facing club teammate Mesut Ozil in group B.
Expect A 'Germany v Portugal' Final
The best teams often come to the party. Germany and Portugal have the best squads (at least on paper) going into this two week exercise, their stars are more polished and established, well this is not to say that the other teams are inferior but in their individual club sides Portugal and Germany have the best performers.
The eight team tournament will be an opportunity for either of these two teams to lift the tournament for a first time.
The Golden Boot Might Go To Ronaldo
In recent times, the flair and dribbling of Portuguese attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has given way to goals, goals and more goals. With age it has been pertinent to adjust his style of play from the flair of pace and dribbling of youth to a more poaching style of play. This was evident as the 32 year old scored the most goals in the Champions league last season. Three goals for Portugal in the Euros last year was also testament to the fact that there is more emphasis on goals for the Portuguese.
This is yet another opportunity for Ronaldo to further enhance his status in Portuguese football folklore and you don't give him opportunities without them being accepted.
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