Confederations Curtain Coming Down

They made it, Brazil are in the final. After a touchy and nervous semi final win over the impressive rivals Uruguay, the host nation are through to face world champions Spain, in what will be a footballing feast, capable of satisfying the biggest of appetites.
It's a marvelous fusion of footballing talent, two teams in great form, wanting and needing the tournament win, for different reasons.

Lets start with Brazil. A win in this tournament would completely turn around some of the negativity that surrounds them. Scolari has been under pressure, there is no question about that, we have seen the fans boo his decisions at this tournament. There is also a very real disbelief that Scolari is the man to deliver World Cup glory, for an expectant host nation. A win against Spain on Sunday would really give Scolari himself a welcome boost, as well as silence a few doubters. To his credit, Scolari has got Brazil playing some very good football at this tournament, with Neymar at the forefront of it. He has been dazzling at times, along with the impressive Fred, who has three goals in four games. Paulinho has also impressed me, he seems to be a rarity in midfielders these days. A friend recently pointed it out to me, that central midfielders are either attacking or defensive. There's such a lack of players who can do it all. Since the emergence of Claude Makelele there appears to have been a new breed of ''holding midfielders.'' Which in many cases means that they just can't go forward at all. And vice versa for the attacking midfielders, who seem to be incapable of putting a tackle in. Paulinho, from what I've seen, looks like he can do it all. A real top, complete midfielder, who will have to be on top of this game when he has Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta for company.

Paulinho seems to have impressed many this tournament

World Cup winners, double European Champions and debated as potentially the greatest ever international team. Spain, are looking to add the Confederations Cup to their unprecedented haul. I could write and virtually mirror every compliment every journalist and pundit has said about Spain. I just want to look at it in a different light for a moment. Look at their bench in the game against Italy. A Champions League winner this season in Javi Martinez, Spain's all time record goal scorer David Villa, one of the Catalonia darlings, Cesc Fabregas. Juan Mata, a member of the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, Jesus Navas, who has just fetched a reported transfer fee of £14.9m. The list goes on. To leave out players of that caliber, and not even bring them on in some cases (Fabregas didn't get on the pitch against Italy) makes it the strongest squad of players of all time. There can be no debate. Las Rojas are an unbelievable side, with so many strengths, I can only see them winning on Sunday, as much as they weren't at their best against the Italians. 

Also, I would like to point out how happy I am to see Fernando Torres top of the goal scoring charts, heading in to Sunday's final. He's two goals clear of his nearest rival left in the competition, David Villa. After all his stick since his move to Chelsea, he can (hopefully) say he top scored in the European Championships and the Confederations Cup for Spain, along with winning them both obviously. I raise a glass to you Fernando, for you're superb courage and persistence. 

The classic number nine, Fernando Torres

Neymar Jr - The real deal?

With his David Beckham like star quality, Brazil's latest superstar off the samba production line has certainly grabbed the Confederations Cup by the scruff of the neck.
It's an important time for Neymar, who seems to have the nations hopes of World Cup glory on his shoulders. At just 21 years old, that seems a tall order.
Brazil, hosting the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1950, are using the Confederations Cup for what it is. It's a dry run for the big one next summer. It seems everything is going brilliantly for them at the moment. Many media sources have spoken particularly about the Brazillian crime rates, which, in the right places, are to be feared. Reports just like those from South Africa in the run up to 2010, have told us of the darker side to Brazil. The slums, the drugs, the stealing, the kidnapping. It's all come out. Even the stadium shambles that came to surface on the eve of the England friendly have dissipated. Credit where credit is due, I have not heard one negative streak of news from the tournament so far.
As for the football, the tournament has been brilliant. Full of talking points, good football, and most importantly for the natives, a good start from Brazil. Lead by the man in question, Neymar da Silva Santos Junior - "Neymar."
He opened the tournament with a fire cracker, smashing in a sumptuous half volley against Japan in the opening game. He then followed that up, with a controlled volley, and outrageous assist against the Mexicans.

Neymar is so far taking everything in his stride

He had his doubters pre tournament, myself included. Having watched him closely, particularly at Wembley when Brazil visited in a defeat to the hosts. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. The next Pele, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho. Whatever he was labelled, to me he looked like he wasn't worthy of tying those legendary player's boots. Slow in making decisions, slow to move the ball, and an ultimate lack of effort. I wasn't alone in thinking that Santos' king was a phony.

Europe was always going to be the acid test for Neymar. Having been linked with Manchester United, Real Madrid and especially FC Barcelona - to name but a few. I was starting to believe that nothing was ever going to materialise. However, Neymar transferred to FC Barcelona for a reported £48.6m fee.

Barcelona's new number 11 "NEYMAR JR"

So what are Barca getting for their money? First of all, they are getting a world superstar. A player, who's fame and iconic personality, will pour money back in to that hefty transfer fee. On a football note, Barcelona have needed a wide forward to play in the 4-3-3 normally adopted, for a few years. Over the past few seasons it's been Pedro an Tello as the natural wingers. The latter being at the beginning of his career. Then Fabregas, Villa, Iniesta, Eto'o, Henry etc. have all been asked to play there, thanks to the emergence of Messi. Neymar is a natural for that position. At 21, they are also getting potential. He scored 54 goals in 103 games for Santos, so that's a pretty good sign. He also now has 22 goals in 36 games for Brazil. 21 years of age, cruising to his 50th cap. That is real potential right there. With Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and co.on his side next year, he could create a big impact. For now, lets enjoy this mercurial talent whilst he spearheads Brazil on the BBC, in preparation for his biggest year yet.

Confederations Celebration

As football tournaments go, the Confederations Cup seems like a pretty pointless one. Along with the hateful Club World Cup.
I have only watched bits and bobs of the Confederations Cup over the years, thinking it would be a tournament with each match having the feel of a painful international friendly.
This year, I took it upon myself to take more of an interest this time round, and I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed the tournament so far. Having sparkled in to life in the third minute of the tournament. Neymar, Barcelona's newest recruit, living up to his poster boy stature by smashing in a sublime half volley, rising in to the top corner.
Brazil may not be the anywhere near the great sides of 1970 or 1998, but they still know how to entertain. Their comfortable 3-0 win over Japan has certainly set the wheels in motion in their bid to win the tournament. A Confederations Cup win would certainly relieve some of the pressure that has piled on Scolari's shoulders. It seems the demanding natives of Brazil are certainly expecting to see their national team lift the FIFA World Cup next year, and their frustrations at Scolari have been apparent to British TV audiences recently. There have been boo's for Scolari, and his choice of substitutions. He was booed for substituting Hulk against England. For the record, if I was Brazilian I would be holding a street party celebrating the ineffectual Hulk's departure. He reminds me of a new version of Adriano, perhaps slightly more mobile. He's not that incredible, he's turning out for Zenit St. Petersburg for a reason. We have also seen the small crowd that was left, boo Jo when he came on late against Japan. He ultimately ended up slotting in a lovely third goal to cheers from the same crowd.

Neymar the prince of Brasil, opens the tournament in style

After the hosts had opened the tournament, Italy faced Gold Cup winners Mexico in The Maracana. We were given a truly pulsating tie. Pirlo, marked his 100th cap with a typical free kick. Bending it over the wall into the top corner. Mexico did try and gatecrash the Pirlo party, Javier Hernandez dispatched a penalty after Giovani Dos Santos was bought down by Barzagli. The Italian was lucky to stay on the field of play. The BBC commentator did mention pre match that the referee was "one of the strictest around." It proved to be false, as the apparent hot head Enrique Osses, had a night completely the opposite. Given his record, you'd have thought his eyes would have lit up at the possibility of sending off Barzagli. But amazingly, the blatant red card wasn't given. Yellow was the colour of choice for Mr Osses. On the subject of his performance, the players seemed to eventually accept the constant trend of making bad decisions.

Back to the football itself, a superb individual performance was rewarded with a goal for Mario Balotelli. He had threatened early doors, with two good chances missed, but the front man looked a different player from the woeful and immature player he seemed to be at Manchester City. Tracking back, passing the ball, holding it up. He gave a great number nine performance, and it was much deserved, when he turned both Torrado and Rodriguez before finishing low. It was great to see, and most of the 80,000 fans seemed to cheer at their loudest. As the fans favorite bought the Italians all three points.

Super Mario flexes his muscles in front of goal

If you thought that was good, the Spain game was something else. Kicking off at 11pm British Summer Time, I can't imagine the TV audience would have been at it's peak. For those who stayed up for it, they were treated to something so sublime. I will be honest, international football never excites me, unless it's the major tournaments. From what I have seen, this was the best half of football from an international team. I could not believe what I was seeing. Every single Spaniard, so comfortable on the ball, with no pass too short. Snappy passes, fluid movement. It was perfection. Before the two goals, Cesc Fabregas had already hit the base of the post following a typical flowing move. The first goal, rather fortunate as it was, set them on their way. Pedro lashing in a shot in off the static Diego Lugano. The second was sublime. A breathtaking run from the, well there are few words to describe Andreas Iniesta, ended with a perfectly slid ball for Roberto Soldado to finish confidently. The second half was less enchanting, however one moment of pure brilliance did come to view. Liverpool's want away striker Luis Suarez curled in a magnificent free kick, that eclipsed Pirlo's earlier. Spain look like they mean business, as they seek to add the Confederations Cup to their two European titles, and their World Cup triumph. Some trophy cabinet.

Iniesta was simply sublime

Junior? Or Senior?

As covered in the last post, it's not been the best of tournaments for England's young lions. Here I will take a look at each player, and give my opinion on where these players England careers can go. With the World Cup exactly one year away, I will look at their chances of getting on the plane to Rio.

Goalkeepers:

Jack Butland
Position: GK
Age: 20
Club: Stoke City

Did not make any headline grabbing mistakes, and looked relatively solid. He will go on to play for England for certain. With some Premier League experience, he could push the wobbly Joe Hart for the senior number one jersey in the future.

On the plane? Probably


Jason Steele
Position: GK
Age: 22
Club: Middlesborough

Certainly number two to Butland on the Under 21 scene. It seems he has a long list of senior goalkeepers in front of him too, who are unlikely to be surpassed by Steele.

On the plane? No

Declan Rudd
Position: GK
Age: 22
Club: Norwich City

May make the odd appearance at senior level, but too many better keepers in front of him to make real England career.

On the plane? No Chance


Defenders:

Danny Rose
Position: LB/LW
Age: 22
Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Had a brilliant season on loan at Sunderland last year, and always looks assured when playing for the U21's. As left backs go, he has Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines in front of him. So will find it very, very hard to oust those two.

On the plane? Outside chance

Craig Dawson
Position: CB
Age: 23
Club: West Bromwich Albion

Looks steady, if not a world beater. Did not however have a good tournament, and needs to establish himself in the Premier League before he can even be considered for England next summer.

On the plane? No

Adam Smith
Position: RB
Age: 22
Club: Tottenham Hostpur

I'm a big fan, huge hit on loan at Millwall, and looks very good for the U21's. However, needs to raise his profile, and that means a starting berth in the Premier League.

On the plane? No

Nathaniel Clyne
Position: RB
Age: 22
Club: Southampton

Had a really good debut season in the Premier League last season. Had a shaky tournament, but previous reputation will smooth that over

On the plane? Maybe

Andre Wisdom
Position: CB/RB
Age: 20
Club: Liverpool

Premier League experience, and captained the U21's against Israel. Probably not good enough with the ball to play right back. But looks like he could flourish at centre half. World Cup may be a few years too soon though.

On the plane? Unlikely

Tom Lees
Position: CB
Age: 22
Club: Leeds United

Out of this depth. Lack of ability covered by bravery and passion.


On the plane? No chance

Jack Robinson
Position: LB
Age: 19
Club: Liverpool

Also out of his depth. Looked brilliant for Liverpool at times, but has since struggled badly for Wolves on loan, and in particularly for England.


On the plane? No chance

Steven Caulker
Position: CB
Age: 21
Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Racked up 18 Premeir League appearences for a side who finished 5th, he has good experience. Looks the real deal, and could take advantage of the centre back vacancies.

On the plane? Maybe



Midfielders:


Jordan Henderson
Position: CM/CAM/RM
Age: 22
Club: Liverpool

The captain, most experienced, biggest transfer fee. Henderson has five senior caps, and you can bet he'll add to those with a good season this year. Nobody's laughing now.

On the plane? Yes

Nathan Redmond
Position: LW
Age: 19
Club: Birmingham City

Drafted in late as cover, and looked lively and determined. Premier League move would be acid test.
On the Plane? No


Josh McEachran
Position: CM
Age: 20
Club: Chelsea

Looks to be fizzling out in to mediocrity at best.

On the plane? No chance

Jonjo Shelvey
Position: CM/CAM
Age: 21
Club: Liverpool

Has a full England cap, but seems to be struggling to progress. Perhaps playing too far forward. Looked poor in the tournament itself.

On the plane? No

Jason Lowe
Position: CM/DM/RB
Age: 21
Club: Blackburn Rovers

Looked tidy on the ball, with a nice range of passing. Probably not got the ability to get Hodgson thinking.

On the plane? No

Tom Ince
Position: LW/RW
Age: 21
Club: Blackpool

Will surely get his Premier League move soon, and full England caps will follow.

On the plane? Maybe

Nathaniel Chalobah
Position: CM
Age: 18
Club: Chelsea

Huge potential, flourished at Watford last season, and is still only 18. Spectacular technique and general ability. Most exciting prospect in this side.

On the plane? Unlikely - but he will be a regular when the time is right

Henri Lansbury
Position: CAM/CM/RM
Age: 22
Club: Nottingham Forest

Applies his trade at Championship level, and will probably flirt between the two top leagues throughout his career. Unlucky to be injured for the whole tournament.

On the plane? No chance

Nathan Delfouneso
Position: ST
Age: 22
Club: Aston Villa

Doing well to still stay on the scene.

On the plane? No chance

Marvin Sordell
Position: ST
Age: 22
Club: Bolton Wanderers

Goal shy even at Championship level. Out of his depth.

On the plane? No chance

Connor Wickham
Position: ST
Age: 20
Club: Sunderland

Has potential, and could be a squad member in the future. Needs a good full season in the Premier League to get a healthy goal return.

On the plane? No

Wilfried Zaha
Position: RW/LW
Age: 20
Club: Manchester United

Will without doubt have a key role to play for England in the future. Alone with Chalobah for genuine excitement regarding potential. Had a poor tournament, but he will play for England for years.

On the plane? Yes

Lions Lacking Bite

I don't know about you, but I was really looking forward to the bright and refreshing Under 21 European Championships, held this year, in Israel. I can find that the senior side become slightly dull. They are of course not helped by the forced, tiring and non competitive friendlies. The Under 21's can be a really interesting change. Viewing potential stars of the future, gazing in to the crystal ball of English football.
Topping their qualification group, with only one defeat from eight games, England's hopes were high going in to the tournament.
Drawn with Norway, Israel and Italy, it looked on paper to be a group England could qualify from. Group B, looked to be well avoided. Spain, Germany, Netherlands and Russia all paired together. It seemed that England would reach the semi finals relatively comfortably.

                                      
                                                                                                                                    

Stuart Pearce has been England Under 21 Manager now for six years, and has had a very mixed time during this period. His highlight during those six years will be reaching the final in 2009, only to be brushed aside 4-0 by a German side that included Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira. Who now play for Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid respectively.
This tournament must be one of the lowest points in Pearce's reign. A squad dripping with star reputations, who failed to register a point, or even score from open play.

I look at the squad Pearce selected, and I do have sympathy for him. Particularly when it comes to strikers. As natural strikers go, Pearce had Aston Villa's Nathan Delfouneso, who spent last season on loan at Championship side Blackpool. Marvin Sordell, again of the Championship, who registered just 4 league goals in 22 appearances. Connor Wickham also got the nod. Easilly the most gifted of the three, Wickham shot to fame with a £8m move from Ipswich Town to Premeir League Sunderland in the summer of 2011. Despite being still just 20 years of age, Wickham has managed just one league goal in 26 appearances since singing. Wickham also had a Championship loan stint at Sheffield Wednesday last season, bagging just the one goal in his six appearances.
This lack of fire power does concern me, in qualification, Craig Dawson, the West Bromwich Albion centre half topped the goal scoring charts, netting an impressive five goals in the nine appearances during the campaign.
With Pearce's hands tied, he resulted to Manchester United's £15m man Wilfried Zaha playing as a lone striker. Where there is no doubt Zaha has some sparkling qualities in his game, he is no centre forward. A youngster who has made his name by mesmerizing Championship defenders on the flanks. He has the pace and trickery sure. He can even finish at times. But leading the line is a tough job, it's something that needs a natural goal scorer in that position. You can only get away with square pegs in round holes for so long.
The stand out name you look at who's missing is PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Danny Welbeck. He is clearly the best striker Pearce would have at his disposal. Injured regardless, it still doesn't fill me with confidence. Forgetting Webeck's great header in the Bernabeau against Real Madrid, he has struggled for goals. Granted, Sir Alex mainly played him as a wide striker, when he did play, he didn't do enough.

Zaha has been forced to play out of position

Is there hope further down when it comes to strikers? For me, no. In the Under 20's the stand out name is Harry Kane of Spurs. Who failed to flourish during a loan spell at Norwich City. Before being farmed out to.....yep you've guessed it, a Championship club in Leicester City.
Chris Long and Alex Pritchard are unknown quantities to me personally, but the other striker, Luke Williams of (this is getting silly now) Championship Middlesborough, I have seen play. He seems bright, and full of energy, but appears to lack star quality, and, goals - which is obviously a problem.

Pearce may have had a host of absentees (McMannaman, Townsend, Sterling, Shaw, Wilshere, Jones, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rodwell and Walker to name but a few) but not many of those would have solved this crucial issue. It seems England could offer all the service in the world to a grateful front man. The quality we posess on the wings, and in the number ten position is actually fabulous. But if there's nobody on the end of your cross/pass then it's pretty pointless.

Will Pearce continue, will he leave? His contract is up, and I could see him walking away. Regardless of who comes in, it seems it's the lack of fire power, that for me is holding us back.

Tom,