The Confederations Cup: A Look Ahead

FIFA Ranking: No. 1
Players to Watch: Xavi, David Villa, Fernando Torres

The Spanish are known to be underachievers. However, in 2008, they ended a run of 44 years without a major trophy by beating the mighty Germans.

The Spanish squad hardly consist of tall and well built players. Their squad is made of players with quick feet.

Andres Iniesta will however miss the tournament due to injury. This tournament will be the first with Vincente del Bosque at the helm.

The Spanish haven't lost an international match in a long while. Their inclusion in this year's edition promises to make the tournament very exciting.

Prediction: A good bet to win the tournament.

FIFA Ranking: No. 82
Players to Watch: Ryan Nelson, Chris Killen

The New Zealand team is compromised of many players who play in the Hyundai-A League. They are hardly considered a threat at international level and are the lowest ranked team in this year's Confed Cup.

However any team with players such as Ryan Nelson could pull off a surprise. Coach Ricki Herbert would like to see his team pull of a surprise or two.

Prediction: Could pull of a surprise and make it to the semis.

FIFA Ranking: No. 77
Player to Watch: Younis Mahmoud

Iraq pulled a major surprise by becoming the champions of Asia. They have failed to qualify for 2010.

Thus this will be their only chance to prove themselves on an international stage in South Africa. This will be their first Confed Cup appearance.

Prediction: Could make it to the semis.

FIFA Ranking: No. 72
Player to Watch: Benni McCarthy.

South Africa are the host nation. Thus, on home soil, they will be looking to reach at least the semis.

Africans usually tend to have a lot of energy and strength, and maybe the South Africans could outgun the other teams in their group and book a spot in the semis.

Prediction: A good bet to reach the semis.

FIFA Ranking: No. 5
Players to Watch: Luis Fabiano, Dani Alves

The Samba Boys would love to retain the trophy. They recently demolished Uruguay, and it was a pitiful sight for the Uruguay supporters.

Brazil have excellent players in almost all positions and look to be the only challengers to Spain's one-touch football.

Prediction: A good bet to win the competition.

FIFA Ranking: No. 4
Players to Watch: Daniele De Rossi, Giuseppe Rossi

What more needs to be said about the Italians? Whether it's Oscar-winning acting or last minute goals, the Italians know how to win a major competition. With a tactician like Marcelo Lippi at the helm, Italy could even win.

A poor Italy said made it the quarters of the Euros, yet the Spanish armada needed penalties to defeat them. It will be tough to defeat the Italians, but the average age of their squad could be a problem for them.

Prediction: A good bet to make it to the final.

FIFA Ranking: No. 40
Players to Watch: Amr Zaki, Mohammed Zidan

Egypt has a respectable ranking but will be very lucky to get out of this group. Brazil, Italy, and U.S will be very tough opponents for the Pharaohs.

They have a few players playing their trade in leagues overseas, and that experience could help them to go through. They have a lot of players from Al Ahly, a side which recently contested the FIFA Club World Cup.

Prediction: Exit from the group stages.

FIFA Ranking: No. 14
Players to Watch: Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore

The U.S national team are doing pretty well at the moment. They have got quite a lot of high quality players playing in Europe, even though Landon Donovan still hasn't made a breakthrough in another continent.

Italy and Brazil will have to be wary of this national side. They could pose a threat.

Prediction: A possibility of making it to the semis or exit from the group stages.

Finally, I think Spain will win this year’s edition. On the other hand, they have to fight against the likes of Brazil who would love to retain the trophy.

Hope you enjoyed the slide show!