[FIFA Confederation Cup 2005] - Group A Analysis

[Regs]

Group A

Argentina
Australia
Germany
Tunisia

Germany, Argentina expect while Oz, Tunisia hope
Group A of the FIFA Confederations Cup Germany 2005 looks likely to be a two horse race for the prestigious last four, with five FIFA World Cups™ between them, Germany and Argentina are favoured to boss Australia and Tunisia. The event, which is seen as a warm-up to Germany 2006, is due to take place between 15 and 29 June, 2005.

The event is particularly important for the hosts, who do not have to go through the trying qualifying campaign and so have been left hanging on their pitiful Euro 2004. An untested coach newly installed, Jürgen Klinsmann has more to lose than anyone from the event, and looming largely in the group are powerful Olympic champions Argentina.

Point to prove for Argentina
The two favourites will not face off until their final group match, and José Pekerman’s side are hoping to take full points from the African and Oceanian champions in their first two contests. With world-class players the likes of Juan Roman Riquelme, Javier Saviola, Carlos Tevez, and many, many others at their disposal, all expectations are for them to do that.

For the proud footballing nation, the disappointing group stage exit at the 2002 FIFA World Cup still haunts -- as does a defeat to Brazil in the final of the Copa America in 2004. With Marcelo Bielsa’s surprise resignation, the Albiceleste are wary of losing momentum in their goal of becoming just the second nation to win a FIFA World Cup outside of their own continent.

Hoping to sneak through
Though they are ranked 36th and 64th respectively in the October 2004 FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, Tunisia and Australia are hopeful of making an impact against their more illustrious opponents. The Confederations Cup has traditionally featured a surprise package or two, and these ambitious outsiders hope to meet that historical precedent.

Having reached the last two FIFA World Cups, Tunisia have a stronger pedigree than the Socceroos, and an African Cup of Nations championship at home in 2004 has the Les Aigles de Carthage flying high. However, a sluggish start to Germany 2006 qualifying will have Roger Lemerre’s nerves frayed in the trying two opening matches against Argentina and the hosts.

Heading in with lesser expectations, Australia will be hard pressed to still be in with a chance to reach the prestigious last four by the time of their final match against Tunisia. Frank Farina and his Socceroos are desperate for international respect and a high profile, official tournament opener against the hosts at the first match from Frankfurt’s new Waldstadion.

If the lesser lights in Group A manage to snare some points from Germany and Argentina, the final group match between those two multiple FIFA World Cup winners could be a fantastic feast of football. The home supporters in Nürnberg should be a big advantage for the slumping Mannschaft, who will be taking the test very seriously.

Captain Michael Ballack will have a hefty load to carry if the once proud hosts are to reclaim FIFA World Cup glory in 2006, and the FIFA Confederations Cup provides them their only chance to demonstrate that they have the ability to conquer the world.

 

[Regs]

I totally forgot this started today

Did anyone see the Argentina match earlier? I think it's on Sportsnet later tonight...

Match Day 1 Results

ARGENTINA 2-1 TUNISIA

Argentina enjoyed a winning start to the FIFA Confederations Cup as they beat Group A rivals Tunisia 2-1 in Cologne through goals from Juan Riquelme and Javier Saviola.
In a game of three penalties, Tunisia spurned the opportunity to take the lead when Imed Mhadbebi missed from the spot after 17 minutes. Riquelme then showed how it should be done at the other end, stroking Argentina in front shortly after the half-hour.

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GERMANY 4-3 AUSTRALIA

Those who witnessed the breathtaking opening ceremony in the Waldstadion were hoping that the football that followed would provide similar entertainment. They were not to be disappointed. A warm summer's evening in Frankfurt provided a fascinating contest beween FIFA Confederations Cup hosts Germany, spurred on by a capacity crowd, and Australia, the underdogs with nothing to lose.
Jurgen Klinsmann's side could have taken the lead in the opening 40 seconds. Almost straight from the kick-off Kevin Kuranyi played the ball to Lukas Podolski who flashed a left footed shot just wide of Mark Schwarzer's left-hand post.

Read More...

 

[TheRob]

ZZZZZZZZZZZGermans and Argentina advanced out of this group. The semis will be crackers.

Brazil vs. Germany and Mexico vs. Argentina.

Bookie events perhaps????