From striking to strikers
Despite striking workers, another football showpiece has begun, this one in France. Eric Asomugha sees where soccer is shining
The FIFA Confederations Cup kicked off yesterday in France with eight teams contesting the youngest of FIFA's competitions for national teams.
The tournament features the champion team from each of the six continental confederations, with the defending champions, the host country or another team from the host continent making up the eight participants.
Previous tournaments were held in Saudi Arabia, Mexico and South Korea/Japan. Saudi Arabia hosted the first three tournaments, in 1992, 1995 and 1997. The past winners are Argentina in 1992, Denmark in 1995, Brazil in 1997, Mexico in 1999 and France in 2001.
Traditionally, the eight participating teams are divided into two groups. This year, the host country France, Japan, New Zealand and Colombia make up Group A while Cameroon, Turkey, Brazil and the US are in Group B. The tournament will be staged in Lyon, St Etienne and St Denis.
The handsome prize money at stake has made the competition more appealing, notwithstanding a general strike which has plagued Paris and other cities. But the strike is expected to give way as the beautiful game is about to play its usual salutary role of replacing hard reality with golden dreams. Lively debate will turn from striking to strikers, from mass demonstrations to mass spectators in and outside the pitch, and from industrial action to soccer action.
The talk tough from teams determined to win and Brazil's call for revenge against France is a clear indication of the battle and entertaining showpieces ahead in this play off that is gradually rising in popularity.
Brazil's 3-0 loss to hosts in the World Cup final of France 1998 still remains fresh in its memory despite reclaiming the mantle in last year's FIFA World Cup in Asia.
"This competition means a lot to us because we will see a new team take shape," says Marco Neves, a Brazilian fan. "The group stage will be easy, with opponents we should beat comfortably. And I'd love it if we could beat France in front of their own fans, to take revenge for 1998."
The world champions Brazil, which has yet to reproduce the form shown in Asia, is in France with many uncapped players, a decision that has triggered strong criticism from fans.
Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who is no stranger to this hot seat, has decided that super stars such as Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Gilberto Silva need a rest after years of almost non-stop football.
Cup holders France is maintaining a low profile as was the case before France 1998, hoping to power itself to victory at home as the competition draws to an end. A tournament win would help ease the disappointment of the 2002 World Cup.
Cameroon, Africa's representative, has also indicated that its presence in France is not for fun but rather to prove that it is a world class team. Cameroon's German coach Schafer says his team possesses the potential to reach the final.
Whatever the case, it is a period of soccer fiesta for fans. The Confederations Cup is another opportunity to relive glorious memories, of France's finest footballing moment, of World Cup bronze medalist Turkey, African champions Cameroon and the Samba boys of Brazil.
