FIFA Confederations Cup Preview: The Tough Road Ahead for USA

The FIFA Confederations Cup will begin June 14th in Johannesburg with the matchup of South Africa v. Iraq.

The 2005 Federation Cup saw Brazil defeat Argentina, while Germany took third and Mexico fourth. The USA has not made the semifinals since 1999, where they finished third. The USA has never made it to a Confederation Cup Final.

This year, Team USA has a tough road ahead of them, with seven other top teams in thier way.

Group A will consist of South Africa, ranked 72nd; Iraq, ranked 77th; New Zealand, ranked 82nd; and Spain, ranked first.

Group B will consist of USA, ranked 14th; Italy, ranked fourth; Brazil, ranked fifth; and Egypt, ranked 40th.

Surely USA is in the tougher of the two groups.

While Spain is a favorite to win, many will be watching USA to make a statement and to build more momentum, while looking ahead to World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

USA's first match is June 15th against defending World Cup Champion Italy, with the whole world watching, Landon Donovan and the US need to come out shooting...and winning.

Italy's extremely tough defensive style of play is going to be a challenge, one USA hopes to overcome.

USA's second match is June 16th, against the equally tough , and defending Confederation Cup Champion Brazil. If USA wants to prove to the world they can hold their own during the World Cup, this is the chance to do it...by beating both defending champions, with back to back games.

USA's final game is June 21st against Egypt.

If USA does make it to Stage Two of the tourney, they would play June 24th or 25th.

My sem-final prediction: Spain, Italy, USA, and South Africa.

USA's talent and athletic ability should take them to the semi's, while Spain's excellent mid-field players and goal-scorers should give them an easy ride to the second stage. 

Watch out for home team, South Africa. A home crowd can always push any team to greatness.

Should be an exciting tournament. Let's go USA.