Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 final

The Confederations Cup tournament had modest beginnings in the late 90’s but this year’s competition, held on South Africa, is one of the most important FIFA events as you can see looking at the prize money pool: US$17.6 million.

The tournament is attractive for all eight participating teams, every one receiving at least $1.4 million (the last four places) while the winner takes $3.75 million.

Played in the World Cup host country a year before the competition, the tournament can be considerated a rehearsal for the World Cup for both host and participants.

Played on 4 venues in 4 cities this year’s tournament registered an attendance of 553,106 people (34,569 per match) and a total of 44 goals (2.75 per match).

Gathering the winners of the FIFA confederation championships: Egypt, Iraq, Spain, New Zealand, Brazil, USA, Italy and the new World Cup host, South Africa, the tournament promised to be a strong one, and the play-off ended the competition unbelievable with two breath taking matches.

The third place match between Spain and South Africa proved to be more exciting than expected. Spain, the favorite of the game according to the bookies with 1.50 odds, had a hard time winning. The 73’min goal by south african striker Katlego Mphela started the drama of the game. For 15 minutes South Africa seemed to take an unexpected third place in the competition against the initial odds of 6.50. On 88’ striker Dani Guiza, top scorer on 2007-2008 Spanish League, showed his skills by scoring two goals in just two minutes. But the drama wasn’t over! On the last phase of the match Mphela scores again extending the game with two rounds of extra time. The last goal of the game scored by X. Alonso in 107’, secured Spain the third place on Confederations Cup Competition at its first participation.

Brazil played on Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg, its 11th international final as the main favorite having a non experienced opponent, on his first FIFA final. The experience and the easy winning on the first round-game against USA (3-0) contributed to the big difference in odds offered by the big bookmakers like Ladbrokes: 1.40 Brazil, 4.50 draw, 8.00 USA.

Despite the odds USA scores the first two goals with C. Dempsey 10’ and L. Donovan 27’ bringing the hope that the North, Central America and the Caribbean champion will make history winning its first major international tournament. But Brazil didn’t gave up and right after time out Luis Fabiano’s goal starts the comeback of the “Seleção Brasileira”. Scoring another goal in the 74’ Fabiano ends the tournament as top scorer with 5 goals and gets the FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Shoe 2009 award. The Confederations Cup Golden Ball 2009 was awarded to a brazilian player also, Kaka receiving his second Golden Ball in his career.

The last goal of the tournament scored by Lucio made Brazil the most successful team of the Confederations Cup tournament holding 3 titles (1997, 2005, 2009), one second place (1999) and one fourth place (2001).

For more info about the Confederations Cup 2009 visit www.fifa.com