Confederations Cup 2009 - Coming To Goal.com! See The Team Profiles Here

Goal.com invites you to join us for the summer's biggest international tournament...

Jun 1, 2009 1:15:17 PM

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The FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 is coming to Goal.com!

A dress-rehearsal for the World Cup; a chance to see how the defending World Champions have progressed; an opportunity for continental winners to strut their stuff; and the introduction of global tournament play to the continent of Africa. The 2009 Confederations Cup is key for all of these reasons - and we'll bring the whole thing to you.

What You Need To Know

Goal.com will provide for you live, exhaustive coverage of the tournament from start to finish, directly from South Africa.

Our team will be around the grounds and talking to the movers and shakers of this, 2009's best international tournament.

What's more, we'll bring a true African flavour right to your browser in our Road To Africa site. Here you'll learn about the culture behind the tournament, and get a feel for what local fans think as the World Cup prepares to land in South Africa.

See also: Our Confederations Cup homepage at Goal.com Road To Africa

What To Look Forward To

Full previews, reports, live commentaries, player ratings, and reactions for all matches
A daily blog by our own John Duerden in South Africa, who will have insider knowledge of all the goings-on at the Cup
Full team profiles with guides for which players to look out for
African perspectives on the World Cup and international football, for a real taste of local flavour
A guide to each of the host cities, as well as to each stadium
An A-Z of the Confederations Cup
Exclusive looks at the security situation in South Africa from our local correspondent, Peter Pedroncelli
A list of the top 10 South Africans of all time to set the mood for the Cup
Full predictions from the Goal.com world editorial team
The chance to select your own team for all the biggest countries involved
Video content, showcasing the best that South Africa has to offer
All the latest news, including exclusives from the training grounds, stadiums, and team hotels, from start to finish

When It Is

The Confederations Cup begins on June 14th 2009 with South Africa-Iraq and New Zealand-Spain, with the final taking place on June 28th.

See also: Confederations Cup fixtures, tables, results

Who's Involved

Eight teams enter the Confederations Cup 2009. Here they are in alphabetical order:

Brazil
Qualification: Copa America 2007 winner
Coach: Dunga
Star player: Robinho

The reigning Confederations Cup holders come to South Africa with the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Dunga's charges are still chasing Paraguay for top slot in the South American qualifiers, so they have much to prove here - and that's without Adriano, the man who propelled them to victory last time.

Egypt
Qualification: African Cup of Nations 2008 winner
Coach: Hassan Shehata
Star player: Mohamed Zidan

Egypt and South Africa provide the host continent with a double threat as the Confederations Cup approached, with the African Champions aiming to surprise the mighty powers of Brazil and Italy to squeeze out of their group, but the USA will have something to say about that.

Iraq
Qualification: Asian Cup winner 2007
Coach: Bora Milutinovic
Star player: Younis Mahmoud

Iraq qualified for the Confederations Cup as Asian Champions, but they have done little to deserve that title since they acquired it. A change of personnel has seen the experienced Bora Milutinovic take over the squad, and with five World Cups under his belt, there is no telling what an unpredictable Iraqi side could be capable of.

Italy
Qualification: World Cup winner 2006
Coach: Marcello Lippi
Star player: Daniele De Rossi

The reigning World Champions will be determined to put on a good show in the Confederations Cup as they prepare next year's defence of their trophy in South Africa. Since returning as coach, Marcello Lippi has not overly impressed, and has been criticised for sticking with older players. He will be hoping to prove his doubters wrong in June.

New Zealand
Qualification: OFC Nations Cup winner 2007
Coach: Ricky Herbert
Star player: Chris Killen

As the lowest ranked team in the tournament, Oceania Champions New Zealand have nothing to lose as they take on hosts South Africa, as well as Asian champs Iraq and Euro 2008 winners Spain. Ricky Herbert will be hoping that his side make a good impression in South Africa, a country that they share a great rugby rivalry with.

South Africa
Qualification: Hosts
Coach: Joel Santana (Brazil)
Star player: Bernard Parker

South Africa have a point to prove as hosts of the event, and a semi-final berth is the main objective for Bafana, with Iraq and New Zealand standing in their way. Coach Joel Santana will be counting on home support, as his confident side aim to impress.

Spain
Qualification: Euro 2008 winners
Coach: Vicente Del Bosque
Star player: Andres Iniesta

European Champions Spain are currently playing some of the most entertaining football on the planet, with a wealth of talent in a squad that boast Champions League winners Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Carles Puyol amongst others. This will be Vicente Del Bosque's first international tournament, and he will be aiming to take the title.

United States of America
Qualification: Gold Cup winner 2007
Coach: Bob Bradley
Star player: Landon Donovan

The United States find themselves in the 'group of death', with World Champions Italy and South American title holders Brazil forcing them to take the underdog tag. A talented squad will be testing South African waters ahead of next year's event, with American fans due to arrive in the country in large numbers for the global showdown.

Follow the path of all eight right here on Goal.com's Confederations Cup news page!

Ewan Macdonald, Goal.com

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