CONFEDERATIONS CUP

Host: South Africa Date: 14-28 June Coverage: Every game will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website and either on the Red Button or BBC Three. Highlights, latest scores and reports also available on the BBC Sport website.

 

There are eight teams participating in this edition, with South Africa taking their place as hosts and Italy as 2006 World Cup winners.

 

The following champions are also present: Spain (Euro 2008); USA (2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup); Brazil (Copa America 2007); Iraq (2007 AFC Asian Cup); Egypt (2008 African Cup of Nations) and New Zealand (2008 OFC Nations Cup).

 

If you thought some of the bigger teams participating would not take the competition seriously then think again - these squads are at virtually full strength.

 

The only big names missing are Brazil's Ronaldinho and Spain's Andres Iniesta, the former dropped by coach Dunga and the latter missing through an injury he aggravated during the Champions League final.

 

But the cast list is still mighty impressive: Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano, Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Luca Toni - not to mention Spanish sensations Iker Casillas, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Fernando Torres et al.

 

Italy's World Cup winning-coach Marcello Lippi and Spain boss Vicente del Bosque both have their sights set on lifting the trophy in Johannesburg in a little over two weeks' time.

 

"The Confederations Cup will be an important test for us," said Lippi. "I want us to go all the way and I also want to recreate a team spirit similar to that of the World Cup."

 

Del Bosque added: "All the teams have their best squad. We are going with the squad which we feel is the best and are obligated to enhance the prestige of this cup."

 

Confederations Cup match schedule

 

Group A:

South Africa v Iraq (14 June, 1500 BST)

New Zealand v Spain (14 June, 1930 BST)

Spain v Iraq (17 June, 1500 BST)

South Africa v New Zealand (17 June, 1930 BST)

Iraq v New Zealand (20 June, 1930 BST)

Spain v South Africa (20 June, 1930 BST)

 

Group B:

Brazil v Egypt (15 June, 1500 BST)

USA v Italy (15 June, 1930 BST)

USA v Brazil (18 June, 1500 BST)

Egypt v Italy (18 June, 1930 BST)

Italy v Brazil (21 June, 1930 BST)

Egypt v USA (21 June, 1930 BST)

 

Semi-finals:

Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B (24 June, 1930 BST)

Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A (25 June, 1930 BST)

 

Third-placed play-off:

Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg (28 June, 1400 BST)

 

Confederations Cup final:

Ellis Park, Johannesburg (28 June, 1930 BST)

 

Is anyone going to be watching this tournament?

Might watch the later stages, but the beginning stuff is exibition.

Torres scores a cracker of a goal to give Spain a 1-0 lead over New Zealand

I've got Spain vs New Zealand on in the background. Spain 1-0 up after 65 minutes. Although most people think it's pointless I do think it's quite vital in the preparation for the World Cup. It shows if the host country can host a decent tournament and what they might need to improve on in 12 months time. It tests infrastructure, stadiums, hospitality, ticket sale systems, marketing...

2-0 Torres again 13 mins

Torres Hatrick

Total exibition match.

 

Just a case of how many Spain will get. I'll go for 8.

Might be 10-0 :)

Might be 10-0 :)

 

Nah I reckon they'll take Torres, Villa and Xavi off at half-time.

I'm watching the football on my laptop; and the 20-20 World Cup Cricket (England v World Champs India) on the TV.

 

Touches wood: Good Times.