Confederations Cup 2013: Profiles

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1.Brazil team profile

Fifa Confederations Cup, Brazil

• Date: 15 - 30 June

Coverage: Matches live on BBC One, BBC Three, online, red button & connected TV. Live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the eight teams who will contest the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Host nation Brazil are sliding down the Fifa world rankings but are looking to put on a show for the watching world.

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

As host nation for next year's World Cup.

Brazil's Group A fixtures

• 15 June: Japan in Brasilia
• 19 June: Mexico in Fortaleza
• 22 June: Italy in Salvador

HOW DO THEY PLAY?

With a sense of pragmatism allied to their natural flair, whether in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2 formation. Neymar and Oscar have both been asked to play the traditional Brazilian number 10 role, although it's Barcelona's new £50m man Neymar who will be in possession of the actual shirt.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP RECORD

They won the competition for a record third time in South Africa in 2009 and are vying for a hat-trick of successive titles. Brazil are the only nation to compete in all seven Fifa Confederation Cups, with 2003 being the only occasion they have failed to progress beyond the group stage.

THE BOSS

Felipe Scolari had an unsuccessful spell as Chelsea boss in 2008

Reappointed last November, 2002 World Cup-winning coach Felipe Scolari is affectionately known as Big Phil, a nickname given to him during his playing days by a journalist due to his strong, imposing style.
During Brazil's 2002 success he used Sun Tzu's ancient Chinese military book 'The Art of War' as preparation, slipping certain chapters under players' hotel room doors.
Failed during his time at Chelsea, and was sacked after only seven months in charge in February 2009.

THE MEN TO WATCH

Barcelona-bound superstar Neymar , 21, has been the talk of Brazil for many a year and the Confederations Cup represents his first chance to play at a major global tournament. He reportedly tries to replicate goals he scores on computer games. Scored twice at the 2011 Copa America and three times at last year's Olympics. The one concern is his temperament.

Chelsea's Oscar enjoyed a fine debut season in English football, calling the experience "excellent". He chipped in with 12 goals in 62 appearances for the Blues and was a key member of their attacking triumvirate, usually alongside Juan Mata and Eden Hazard. Became the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final since Sir Geoff Hurst in 2011 - albeit at Under-20 level.

Hulk is a powerful left-footed forward. He arrives at the Confederations Cup after a disappointing first season with Russian club Zenit St Petersburg following his £32m move last summer. He scored seven goals in 18 league appearances but was subjected to racist abuse and fell out with his coach. He has been linked with a move to Chelsea this summer.
Don't make him angry - he hit a shot so hard on his debut for Porto that it put team-mate Mariano Gonzalez out of action for a month when it hit his thigh.

LAST MAJOR TOURNAMENT

Analysis

Guy Mowbray BBC Match of the Day commentator

"A sign of how unsettled the Selecao is at the moment is shown by the fact 'Big Phil' Scolari has used 40 players since returning as coach this year.
"If his final selection is right they undoubtedly have the talent to win a third successive Confederations Cup. At home, they're expected to."
Mowbray's key man - Neymar

Brazil exited the 2011 Copa America at the quarter-final stage with only one win from four matches. Their penalty shoot-out defeat by Paraguay came despite dominating the match and having 16 shots to Paraguay's four.

Then-head coach Mano Menezes experimented with a mixed squad of veterans and promising youngsters in preparation for next year's World Cup on home soil.
Brazil were beaten in the Olympic final by Mexico last summer, although that does not count as a senior competition.

DID YOU KNOW?

Prisoners in Brazil can shorten their sentences by four days for every book they read under a government 'redemption through reading' initiative - up to a maximum of 48 days per year. Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' may well be in demand if Scolari can work his magic again.

FIFA WORLD RANKING

Brazil are ranked 22nd in the world, below Bosnia, Denmark and Ghana. Their lowest ever ranking is at least partly attributable to their absence of competitive matches, which carry a greater weighting.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Julio Cesar (QPR), Diego Cavalieri (Fluminense); Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Thiago Silva (PSG), David Luiz (Chelsea), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Dante (Bayern Munich), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Jean (Fluminense), Rever (Atletico Mineiro); Midfielders: Fernando (Gremio), Hernanes (Lazio), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich), Paulinho (Corinthians); Forwards: Lucas Moura (PSG), Fred (Fluminense), Neymar (Barcelona), Oscar (Chelsea), Hulk (Zenit), Bernard (Atletico Mineiro), Jadson (Sao Paulo), Jo (Atletico Mineiro).

2.Japan team profile

Fifa Confederations Cup, Brazil

• Date: 15 - 30 June

Coverage: Matches live on BBC One, BBC Three, online, red button & connected TV. Live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the eight teams who will contest the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Japan have progressed beyond the group stages only once before. Is this their time to shine?

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

As Asian Cup winners in January 2011, when an extra-time goal by Tadanari Lee - now on Southampton's books - gave them a 1-0 victory over Australia in the final.

Japan's Group A fixtures

• 15 June: Brazil in Brasilia
• 19 June: Italy in Recife
• 22 June: Mexico in Belo Horizonte

HOW DO THEY PLAY?

The first team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, Japan generally play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the attacking midfielders and full-backs providing the flair and energy and two holding players protecting the defence. However, coach Alberto Zaccheroni is arguably yet to find a reliable striker as the team's focal point. He has also experimented with 3-4-3 but this is a work in progress because of defensive naiveties.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP RECORD

Japan have only once progressed beyond the group stage in their four previous appearances. They reached the final in 2001 but were beaten by France in a tournament they co-hosted with South Korea as part of their preparations for the 2002 World Cup.

Alberto Zaccheroni won the Serie A league title with AC Milan in 1999

THE BOSS

Known as 'Zac', former AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan and Lazio boss Zaccheroni has embraced the challenge of finally turning Japan from a team with potential into a team of world beaters. Japan's sixth foreign head coach has brought Italian organisation to the camp, working particularly hard to try to stop crosses. Affable with his players, he has been known to stop training sessions to answer questions if his methods are not understood.

THE MEN TO WATCH

A talismanic, spiky figure, CSKA Moscow's Keisuke Honda pulls the creative strings in midfield. The 27-year-old is a free agent this summer and has been linked with moves to AC Milan and Liverpool.

Shinji Kagawa is Honda's lieutenant in the Japanese midfield. The Manchester United man is expected to stretch opposition and is seen as the future. Injury hit his first year in the Premier League but he still managed six goals in 20 league appearances, including a hat-trick against Norwich.

Inter Milan left-back Yuto Nagotomo is an attacking player who forms a strong left flank with Kagawa. Has been struggling with a serious knee injury sustained in February's Milan derby.

LAST TOURNAMENT

Guy Mowbray BBC Match of the Day commentator

"The first team to have confirmed qualification for next year's World Cup will come into this tournament in great heart.
They pass the ball superbly but still have a tendency to overdo things close to goal, and lack a top-class striker. Spain (very) light."
Mowbray's key man - Keisuke Honda

Zaccheroni's Japan survived several nervy moments to win the Asian Cup in Qatar. They fell behind early to South Korea in the semi-finals, and conceded an equaliser in stoppage time of extra-time before winning through on penalties. The final with Australia was a breathless affair won by Tadanari Lee's spectacular volley in extra-time.

They were beaten on penalties by Paraguay in the last 16 of the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.

DID YOU KNOW?

Brazil has more Japanese immigrants - around 1.5m - than any other country, so expect Zaccheroni's side to be well supported. Also, the biggest non-Asian ethnic group inside Japan are Brazilians - around 325,000.

FIFA WORLD RANKING

Japan are 32nd in the latest Fifa rankings. They find themselves below Peru and Montenegro, but above Serbia and Ukraine.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Kawashima (Standard Liege), Nishikawa (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Gonda (FC Tokyo); Defenders: Inoha (Jubilo Iwata), Sakai (Stuttgart), Nagatomo (Inter Milan), Uchida (Schalke), Konno (Gamba Osaka), Kurihara (Yokohama), Sakai (Hannover), Yoshida (Southampton); Midfielders: Honda (CSKA Moscow), Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kiyotake (Nurnberg), Okazaki (Stuttgart), Kagawa (Manchester United), Hosogai (Hertha Berlin), Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Hasebe (Wolfsburg), Inui (Eintracht Frankfurt), Takahashi (FC Tokyo); Forwards: Havenaar (Vitesse Arnhem), Maeda (Jubilo Iwata).

3.Mexico team profile

Fifa Confederations Cup, Brazil

• Date: 15 - 30 June

Coverage: Matches live on BBC One, BBC Three, online, red button & connected TV. Live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the eight teams who will contest the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Olympic champions Mexico beat the Brazilians at Wembley last summer. Will the hosts have their revenge?

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

Mexico earned the right to represent Concacaf - which encompasses North & Central America, plus the Caribbean - courtesy of a 4-2 win against old foes USA in the 2011 Gold Cup final.

Mexico's Group A fixtures

• 16 June: Italy in Rio
• 19 June: Brazil in Fortaleza
• 22 June: Japan in Belo Horizonte

HOW DO THEY PLAY?

El Tri favour 4-4-2 against weaker sides, but otherwise opt for 4-2-3-1. Former Tottenham man Giovani Dos Santos is a key creative force with Javier Hernandez the chief goal threat. However, El Tri's short passing game and patient build-up play can struggle against teams who sit deep - they have found scoring goals tough in 2013. There's competition for places at centre-back. Francisco Rodriguez and Hector Moreno are the established pair, but FC Porto-bound youngster Diego Reyes is a rising star.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP RECORD

This will be the fifth time they have participated. They won the title on home soil in 1999, defeating Brazil 4-3. They beat the Brazilians again in the group stage in 2005 only to lose to Argentina in the semi-finals. They failed to advance from the group stage in 1997 and 2001.

THE BOSS

Jose Manuel de la Torre's tenure has been eventful - shortly before he took over, 13 players signed a petition which led to the resignation of his brother Nestor as executive director at the Mexican Federation. As a result of that row, in-form Real Sociedad star Carlos Vela won't play for El Tri.
"Chepo" also had to deal with the fall-out from a scandal in 2011 which saw eight players banned - reportedly because they invited prostitutes to their team hotel while on international duty in Ecuador. His results were initially good (although he was not involved in the triumphant Olympic campaign) but have dipped this year - he's under pressure.

THE MEN TO WATCH

Cruz Azul's Jose Corona captained the victorious Olympic squad and has established himself as El Tri's number one goalkeeper. Disciplinary problems had previously hindered his career. He was dropped for the 2011 Gold Cup after head-butting the fitness coach of a rival team.

Premier League fans will be surprised to see Spurs misfit Giovani Dos Santos running the show, but he usually plays better for country than club, and scored three times at last summer's Olympic Games. He looks set to leave Mallorca following their relegation from La Liga.

It's no surprise to see Javier Hernandez up front - he nets every 118 minutes for Manchester United, the best record in the Premier League era. If the striker continues scoring at his current rate he is sure to surpass Jared Borgetti's Mexican record of 46 goals.

LAST TOURNAMENT

Analysis

Guy Mowbray BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Having drawn all six of their first games in 2013, El Tri have proved themselves tough to beat - but with all due respect to Jamaica, Honduras & co, they're not Brazil or Italy.
"The potential is there though, with eight of the squad having won Olympic gold last year. Dark horses?"
Mowbray's key man - Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez

It was success last time out at the 2011 Gold Cup, where Mexico claimed their ninth Concacaf title courtesy of a 4-2 win against the USA.

Pablo Barrera scored twice as the Mexicans hit back from two goals down. Javier Hernandez finished top scorer with seven goals, and was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
There was further glory last summer when Oribe Peralta's brace gave Mexico gold at the 2012 Olympics - beating Brazil in the process.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mexico have beaten Brazil more times (six) since the turn of the century than any other nation.

FIFA WORLD RANKING

Mexico are ranked 17th in the world, one place above France.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Ochoa (Ajaccio), Corona (Cruz Azul), Talavera (Toluca); Defenders: Rodriguez (Club America), Salcido (Tigres), Reyes (Club America), Molina (Club America), Moreno (Espanyol), Torres (Tigres), Mier (Monterrey), Flores (Cruz Azul); Midfielders: Torrado (Cruz Azul), Barrera (Cruz Azul), Dos Santos (Mallorca), Aquino (Villarreal), Herrera (Pachuca), Zavala (Monterrey), Guardado (Valencia); Forwards: Reyna (Pachuca), De Nigris (Monterrey), Hernandez (Manchester United), Jimenez (Club America).

4.Italy team profile

Fifa Confederations Cup, Brazil

• Date: 15 - 30 June

Coverage: Matches live on BBC One, BBC Three, online, red button & connected TV. Live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the eight teams who will contest the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Italy endured a miserable debut in the competition last time out - will they fare better this year?

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

Italy qualified after finishing as runners-up at Euro 2012 to Spain, who had already booked their place in Brazil by winning the World Cup two years earlier.

Italy's Group A fixtures

• 16 June: Mexico in Rio
• 19 June: Japan in Recife
• 22 June: Brazil in Salvador

HOW DO THEY PLAY?

Forget cliched stereotypes about negativity and Catenaccio - Cesare Prandelli's adventurous Azzurri look to press their opponents high up the pitch and dominate possession.
Those attacking instincts reaped dividends for the majority of Euro 2012, when the Azzurri alternated between 3-5-2 and 4-3-1-2 formations. In the last year Prandelli has experimented with 4-3-3, with mixed results.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP RECORD

Italy's only previous Confederations Cup was the disastrous campaign in 2009, when they lost to Egypt and Brazil.

Analysis

Guy Mowbray BBC Match of the Day commentator

"I like Cesare Prandelli and I like the way he's got the Azzurri smiling again. During and ever since last summer's Euros the team has played with energy and enthusiasm - and he seems to be able to get the best out of Mario Balotelli.
"They shouldn't crash out in the group stage as they did in South Africa four years ago."
Mowbray's key man - still Andrea Pirlo

Seven of the starting XI in their final game were aged over 30, but lessons were not learned in time for the 2010 World Cup, when the defending champions went home winless.

THE BOSS

An astute tactician, Cesare Prandelli has been praised for transforming Italy but he admits he considered quitting last summer.
He has imposed a strict ethics code, refusing to select those who misbehave on club duty. Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo missed out on the trip to Brazil as punishment for a tantrum at May's Coppa Italia final.
Prandelli is a devout Catholic, and led his staff on an all-night pilgrimage to a monastery at Euro 2012.

THE MEN TO WATCH

Former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has been revitalised since his January move back to Italy, scoring 12 goals in 13 games for AC Milan. Despite only playing half a season, that represents his most prolific Serie A campaign. However, his temperament remains suspect. He was sent off against the Czech Republic just last week after two bookings in three minutes, but he is not suspended for any games in Brazil.

Stephan El Shaarawy is an emerging star, but questions remain over whether the 'Pharaoh' can gel with Balotelli for club and country. The 20-year-old scored 18 goals in 29 games prior to Balotelli's arrival at Milan, but netted only once in the remaining 17 matches of the season.

Andrea Pirlo will become the first Italian midfielder to win 100 caps this summer, but says he will retire after the World Cup next summer. England's Euro 2012 nemesis, 34, said in his autobiography that "after the wheel, the best invention is the PlayStation."

LAST TOURNAMENT

Italy emerged from Euro 2012 with huge credit after reaching the final. They nearly beat Spain in their opening game, and outplayed England and Germany in the knock-out stage.
Despite being well beaten by the Spanish in the final, Italy were unfortunate to play the final half hour with 10 men, Thiago Motta limping off after they had used their three substitutes.

DID YOU KNOW?

For the third successive tournament there is no Inter Milan player in Italy's squad. Former Everton man Marco Materazzi is the only Inter man to have played tournament football for the Azzurri since 2004.

FIFA WORLD RANKING

Italy are ranked eighth in the world, one place above England.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Sirigu (PSG), Marchetti (Lazio); Defenders: Maggio (Napoli), Chiellini (Juventus), Astori (Cagliari), De Sciglio (AC Milan), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Abate (AC Milan); Midfielders: Candreva (Lazio), Aquilani (Fiorentina), Marchisio (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Montolivo (AC Milan), Pirlo (Juventus), Giaccherini (Juventus), Diamanti (Bologna); Forwards: Balotelli (AC Milan), Giovinco (Juventus), Gilardino (Bologna), El Shaarawy (AC Milan), Cerci (Torino).



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5.Spain team profile

Fifa Confederations Cup, Brazil

• Date: 15 - 30 June

Coverage: Matches live on BBC One, BBC Three, online and red button. Live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the eight teams who will contest the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Spain are appearing in only their second Confederations Cup - can they continue their dominance on the international stage?

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

As World Cup winners in 2010. Spain would also have qualified by retaining their European Championship title last year, so that place has gone to runners-up Italy.

Spain's Group B fixtures

• 16 June: Uruguay in Recife
• 20 June: Tahiti in Rio
• 23 June: Nigeria in Fortaleza

HOW DO THEY PLAY?

Whether in a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 4-6-0 formation, the modern-day Spanish side, with a little help from their free-flowing Barcelona contingent, have ripped up the formation book - even winning tournaments with the false number nine/strikerless line-up.
Barcelona's Victor Valdes is expected to start the tournament as Spain's number one goalkeeper in the major change from Euro 2012, with Iker Casillas missing out.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP RECORD

This is Spain's second Confederations Cup. They won all their group matches in South Africa four years ago without conceding a goal, only for their 35-match unbeaten run to come to a shock end against the USA in the semi-finals. Spain earned third spot with an extra-time win over South Africa.

THE BOSS

Spain have won the World Cup and the Euros in the last three years under Vicente del Bosque

Spain have run out of plaudits to describe Vicente del Bosque, the serene master tactician who is their longest-serving head coach.
The only man to win the coaching treble of the Champions League, World Cup and European Championship, he was made the First Marquis of Del Bosque, a Spanish nobleman, by King Juan Carlos after Spain's 2010 World Cup triumph. His contract expires next summer.

THE MEN TO WATCH

Andres Iniesta, 2010 World Cup final winning goalscorer, Euro 2012 Player of the Tournament, third in this year's Ballon d'Or behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. When the ball is at Iniesta's feet the world takes notice. He is one of only four players (along with Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Xavi) to have featured in at least 18 of Spain's 19 matches at the last three major tournaments.

Pedro is not the first name that comes to mind when thinking about Spain, or indeed Barcelona, yet the pacy right-sided attacker has come of age since Euro 2012. Scored the crucial winner in France in World Cup qualifying to put Spain in pole position to qualify for 2014, one of several vital strikes for both club and country over the last 12 months.

Sergio Ramos is the defensive rock for La Roja, allowing those in front of him to play with freedom. Became the youngest European player to reach 100 caps in March. The 27-year-old centre-back is also a potent weapon for Spain from set-pieces.

LAST TOURNAMENT

Spain needed a Cesc Fabregas equaliser to rescue a point against Italy at the start of Euro 2012, yet 21 days later they easily beat the same opposition in the final to retain the title.

Guy Mowbray BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Unbeaten in 25 competitive games - if the will is there, they'll win it and complete 'the set' for Vicente Del Bosque as coach.
Nineteen players remain in the squad from last summer's Euros, and 18 from the 2010 World Cup. Most will still be around to defend their crown next year. Class and continuity."
Mowbray's key man - all of them

Their only real scare came against neighbours Portugal in the semi-final. The Spanish looked jaded and lacked their usual fluidity in a game decided by penalties. Fabregas slotted home the decisive spot-kick.

DID YOU KNOW?

Spain's national anthem, 'La Marcha Real', is the only one in the world with no official words - they were dropped after the 1975 death of dictator General Franco. New words were adopted in 2007 but shelved after five days for being deemed 'too nationalistic.'

FIFA WORLD RANKING

First. They have been number one in the world almost continuously since winning the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 - bar a month in August 2011, when the Netherlands briefly took top spot.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Valdes (Barcelona), Reina (Liverpool); Defenders: Albiol (Real Madrid), Pique (Barcelona), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Ramos (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Alba (Barcelona), Monreal (Arsenal); Midfielders: Martinez (Bayern Munich), Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Fabregas (Barcelona), Pedro (Barcelona), Mata (Chelsea), Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Silva (Manchester City), Navas (Manchester City); Forwards: Villa (Barcelona), Torres (Chelsea), Soldado (Valencia).


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6.Uruguay team profile

Fifa Confederations Cup, Brazil

• Date: 15 - 30 June

Coverage: Matches live on BBC One, BBC Three, online and red button. Live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the eight teams who will contest the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Champions of South America Uruguay boast a formidable front three - can they be the team to beat in Brazil?

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

Stylishly, winning a record 15th Copa America title - and their first for 16 years - in 2011. The World Cup semi-finalists knocked out hosts Argentina on penalties in the quarter-finals and outplayed Paraguay in the final to win 3-0 with two goals by Diego Forlan and another from Luis Suarez.

Uruguay's Group B fixtures

• 16 June: Spain in Recife
• 20 June: Nigeria in Salvador
• 23 June: Tahiti in Recife

HOW DO THEY PLAY?

"The Uruguayans are like a chameleon in the way they play," Marcel Desailly has said. Coach Oscar Tabarez is known as a serial formation tinkerer, using 3-5-2, 4-4-1-1 and 4-3-3. During the Copa America, Tabarez used all 20 outfield players. He favours a counter-attacking approach against superior teams and is often reactive in his tactics, yet unafraid to make changes during matches.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP RECORD

Uruguay finished fourth in their sole appearance in 1997. They topped Group B with three wins from three but lost 1-0 to Australia in the semi-finals, and by the same scoreline to Czech Republic in the third-place play-off.

THE BOSS

Tabarez's nickname - El Maestro - refers to his previous job as a teacher. A big fan of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara's teachings, he is in his second spell in charge of Uruguay. The former defender led Uruguay at the 1990 and 2010 World Cups and once managed AC Milan for 22 games.

THE MEN TO WATCH

In-demand Luis Suarez is as vital to Uruguay as he is Liverpool. La Celeste will want to see the controversial frontman recreate the form that saw him notch 30 goals in 44 games last term for the Reds.

Much-coveted striker Edinson Cavani has been a revelation at Napoli, hitting 38 goals in 43 games last season. However he has yet to transfer that form to La Celeste - could Brazil see another few million added to his price tag?

Like Suarez and Cavani, Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera is a man in demand. Barcelona are reportedly eyeing the Galatasaray stopper who last missed a La Celeste game in March 2011.

LAST TOURNAMENT

Uruguay were one of the surprise packages of 2010 World Cup, reaching the semi-final before falling to the Netherlands.

DID YOU KNOW?

Analysis

Guy Mowbray BBC Match of the Day commentator

"Struggling somewhat in the World Cup qualification running, but it's a risky business writing off a team with Uruguay's tenacity. They'll fancy their chances, especially playing 'next door'.
"The frontmen are key. If Suarez, Forlan and Cavani all fire then we're looking at real contenders."
Mowbray's key man - Luis Suarez

Uruguay's national anthem is the world's longest in terms of duration with 105 bars of music - about five minutes' worth. Mercifully, only the first two verses are sung.

FIFA WORLD RANKING

Uruguay are 19th in the latest world rankings, behind Bosnia and Switzerland but one ahead of Denmark.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Muslera (Galatasaray), Castillo (Danubio FC), Silva (Defensor); Defenders: Lugano (Malaga), Godin (Atletico Madrid), Coates (Liverpool), Aguirregaray (Penarol), Pereira (Benfica), Scotti (Nacional), Caceres (Juventus); Midfielders: Gargano (Inter Milan), Pereira (Inter Milan), Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Eguren (Club Libertad), Lodeiro (Botafogo), Perez (Bologna), Arevalo (Palermo), Ramirez (Southampton), Gonzalez (Lazio); Forwards: Suarez (Liverpool), Forlan (Internacional), Hernandez (Palermo), Cavani (Napoli).


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7.Tahiti team profile

Fifa Confederations Cup, Brazil

• Date: 15 - 30 June

Coverage: Matches live on BBC One, BBC Three, online and red button. Live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the eight teams who will contest the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Minnows Tahiti face an incredibly tough task in Group B. Can they hold Spain?

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

Where is Tahiti?

Tahiti is not even a country - it is the largest island in French Polynesia, in the South Pacific. Remote is one word for Tahiti - the nearest major country is New Zealand, approximately 2,500 miles away

The South Pacific islanders became the first nation other than Australia and New Zealand to lift the Oceania Nations Cup last June, winning all five of their matches and scoring 20 goals - 15 of those came from three brothers and their cousin.

They beat New Caledonia in the final, with New Zealand losing out in the semi-finals.

HOW DO THEY PLAY?

Tahiti's Oceania title was built around a strong defence. They conceded only five times in the tournament, keeping clean sheets in the semi-final and final.
Word from inside the camp is that they will ditch their usual 4-4-2 formation as part of a "defence-first" approach in Brazil.
Central defender Nicolas Vallar was voted best player at the Oceania Nations Cup and will be vital again this summer.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP RECORD

The team of amateurs will, unsurprisingly, be making their debut in Brazil.

THE BOSS

Tahiti's Group B fixtures

• 17 June: Nigeria in Belo Horizonte
• 20 June: Spain in Rio
• 23 June: Uruguay in Recife

Tahiti born and bred, Eddy Etaeta combined school teaching with his amateur playing career. The former Tahiti international coached the island's youth teams before taking the top job in June 2010.

Etaeta sang Brazilian songs with his squad after they secured their Confederations Cup qualification.

THE MEN TO WATCH

Marama Vahirua has vast experience in Europe, with the Nancy striker in a Tahiti squad for the first time. Can the 33-year-old former France Under-21 international, who has been playing on loan in Greece this season, fire on the big stage? If so, look out for his paddle celebration in honour of Tahiti's national sport, Va'a - a form of canoe racing.

Captain Nicolas Vallar also has experience in France and was voted best player at last year's Oceania Nations Cup. He is now back playing in Tahiti and is an uncompromising central defender.

Forward Alvin Tehau is regarded as the best of three brothers in the team, although the siblings consider their cousin Teaonui Tehau to be better still. Alvin and twin brother Lorenzo hold the dubious distinction of having both been sent off in the same game, at the 2009 Under-20 World Cup.
Alvin used to work for Tahiti's postal service, repairing mailboxes.

Analysis

Guy Mowbray BBC Match of the Day commentator

"They've already created history by becoming the first team other than Australia or New Zealand to win the OFC Championship. I fear any history made in Brazil will be of a different kind.
"The best bunch of players ever to come from the Polynesian islands also reached the 2009 Under-20 World Cup, losing all three games and conceding 21 goals."
Mowbray's key man - Xavier Samin (goalkeeper)

LAST TOURNAMENT

After a free-scoring group stage at last year's Oceania Nations Cup, Tahiti's knock-out experience was a cagey one. However, a pair of 1-0 wins ensured they broke New Zealand and Australia's monopoly on the competition.
Tahiti's previous best result at the tournament was finishing in third place behind Vanuatu and Australia in 2002.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tahiti will be represented in Brazil again next summer - but not at the World Cup. They will be competing in the Va'a world championship, with the canoe racing the national sport of Tahiti.

FIFA WORLD RANKING

Tahiti are ranked 138th in the world. They are one place above Afghanistan, but below Rwanda, Belize and Burundi.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Roche (AS Dragon), Meriel (AS Central Sport), Samin (AS Tefana); Defenders: Ludivion (AS Tefana), Wagemann (AS Dragon), Faatiarau (AS Tefana), Vallar (AS Dragon), Lemaire (AS Dragon), Simon (AS Dragon), Vero (AS Dragon); Midfielders: Caroine (AS Dragon), Bourebare (AS Dragon), Atani (AS Tefana), Aroita (AS Tamarii), L. Tehau (AS Tefana), Aitamai (AS Venus), J. Tehau (AS Tamarii); Forwards: A. Tehau (AS Tefana), Vahirua (Nancy), T. Tehau (AS Venus), Chong Hue (AS Dragon), Tihoni (AS Roniu), Hnanyine (AS Dragon).



8

8.Nigeria team profile

Fifa Confederations Cup, Brazil

• Date: 15 - 30 June

Coverage: Matches live on BBC One, BBC Three, online and red button. Live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the eight teams who will contest the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. Nigeria are back in the competition after a near 20-year absence. Can they shake up the big guns?

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

By clinching their first Africa Cup of Nations title for 19 years in February, with a dominant performance over Burkina Faso in Johannesburg. Sunday Mba's volley settled the game, ensuring head coach Stephen Keshi became only the second man to win the cup as coach and player.

Nigeria's Group B fixtures

• 17 June: Tahiti in Belo Horizonte
• 20 June: Uruguay in Salvador
• 23 June: Spain in Fortaleza

HOW DO THEY PLAY?

Keshi initially adopted a 4-4-2 formation but has favoured a fluid, attacking 4-3-3 since the tail-end of last year. The Super Eagles attack with pace and width, although the absence through injury of Victor Moses has denied them a key threat up front. Moses's Chelsea team-mate John Mikel Obi is one of two midfielders who will provide defensive stability.

CONFEDERATIONS CUP RECORD

The 1995 tournament is the Super Eagles' only experience of the competition. Victory over Japan and a draw with Argentina secured them a third-place play-off, which they lost on penalties to Mexico.

THE BOSS

An emphasis on domestic-based players has characterised Stephen Keshi's 18-month tenure. Keshi - nicknamed 'Big Boss' - is known for his wit and command of African football's politics. He temporarily quit in the aftermath of their Africa Cup of Nations victory following a dispute with the Nigerian FA, and has since been under fire over his treatment of former skipper Joseph Yobo.

THE MEN TO WATCH

Nigeria-based midfielder Sunday Mba caught the eye in the Africa Cup of Nations triumph, scoring two important goals - both of which came on a Sunday, and one of which was the winner in the final.

John Mikel Obi tends to ditch his defensive shackles for Nigeria and will need a big tournament in Brazil. The midfielder has scored more goals in his 48 caps (three) for Nigeria than he has in 276 appearances for Chelsea (two).

The Super Eagles will want a big summer from Dynamo Kiev forward Brown Ideye . He has notched 21 times for the Ukrainian outfit this season and, with Cup of Nations top-scorer Emmanuel Emenike injured, Ideye needs to shine.

LAST TOURNAMENT

Nigeria started slowly at this year's Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa with successive draws. But from those humble beginnings the Super Eagles then won four consecutive games - including a quarter-final defeat of favourites Ivory Coast - to clinch a first continental title since 1994.

Analysis

Guy Mowbray BBC Match of the Day commentator

"A young team that did superbly to win the Africa Cup of Nations - growing in stature as the tournament went on.
"Coach Stephen Keshi has done an incredible job amidst the usual behind the scenes unrest that hinders the country's progress in the game.
"Beating Uruguay in game two is key to their hopes."
Mowbray's key man - CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa

DID YOU KNOW?

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, with 175m inhabitants - estimated to be the seventh biggest nation in the world.

FIFA WORLD RANKING

Nigeria are ranked 31st in the world. They are the fourth-best team in Africa, according to the rankings, below Mali, Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Enyeama (Maccabi Tel-Aviv), Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva), Agbim (Enugu Rangers); Defenders: Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Echiejile (Sporting Braga), Ambrose (Celtic), Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kwambe (Sunshine Stars), Benjamin (Heartland FC), Omeruo (ADO Den Haag); Midfielders: Ogu (Coimbra), Mikel (Chelsea), Ogude (Valerenga), Onazi (Lazio), Eze (Enugu Rangers), Mba (Enugu Rangers); Forwards: Musa (CSKA Moscow), Ideye (Dynamo Kiev), Akpala (Werder Bremen), Gambo (Kano Pillars), Ujah (Cologne), Babatunde (FC Kryvbas), Oduamadi (AS Varese).

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