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The FIFA Confederations cup ended on Sunday with Germany defeating Chile to lift the trophy for the first time ever. A lone goal by Lars Stindl was enough to seal the deal for the German side.
Even though the Confederations cup serves no other function than to see how stadium personnel handle game day situations and whether mass transportation can respond to the high volume of fans streaming into a host city, we were able to learn some important things from the tournament.
Russia: The Host with the Most
The country has demonstrated its readiness for the World Cup next year. There were no major incidents in the four host cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi). Volunteers and Police Officers have all taken English classes to help foreign fans in need. Free train transportation has also been provided for traveling fans with tickets. The stadiums are also beautiful and fit to host the biggest names in football.
The country may be ready, but the national team is not. They crashed out of the competition in the group stages and it doesn’t seem like there would be improvement before next year’s World Cup. They would be hoping to get a perfect starting team that could challenge other teams before the start of the tournament next summer.
VAR: Hit or Miss?
The Video Assistant Referee was one of the most talked experiments ahead of the Confederations Cup. It was to be tested and see if it was fit for use at the World Cup. Many believed it has failed the test though. Even with the VAR, referees still made mistakes. It brought so much confusion to the game, especially during the Germany vs Cameroon match when the wrong player was sent off even after the VAR review.
People also lacked a sense of satisfaction with the length of time taken to make decisions and the situations where VAR might or might not apply. Despite all the criticisms though, FIFA President has given indications that the VAR system will be used at the World Cup next year. Let’s hope it would be much better then.
Germany: The Future is Bright
Most of the German top stars spent the summer either on vacation or convalescing, but their national team won two tournaments. The team B won the Confederations cup and the U-21 team won the European U-21 Championship. 7 players that played at the Confederations cup, including Golden Boot winner Timo Werner, could have been eligible to play at the U-21. This shows that Germany has a bright future if these youngsters continue to produce top notch football.
Most of the team would be expected to sit out the 2018 World Cup as Joachim Low would turn to his first team; the likes of Tomas Muller, Mesuit Ozil, Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan, Mario Gotze and Leroy Sane; for the tournament. But there are a few who can be expected to return to Russia for the world cup.
The select few includes Golden Ball winner and Captain, Julian Draxler, Arsenal’s Shkodran Mustafi and Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich. With an almost infinite pool to choose from, Germany will start the World Cup as favorites regardless of what happens over the course of the next twelve months.
Joachim Low: A German Genius
11 years, 152 games, 102 wins, 369 goals, 2 trophies. Joachim Low has proven to be one of the great national team coaches. When he announced his team for this tournament, many believed he was making a mockery of the competition, but he proved them all wrong. With multiple rotations and a bevy of different formations, Low showed his coaching prowess by leading the Team B of the German team to victory against more experienced opponents.
Chile: Earning their Stripes
Chile had never won a major honor until they beat Argentina on penalties in the final of the 2015 Copa America. They repeated the feat at the Copa America Centenaria last year. This year, they got to the finals of the Confederation Cup. This shows Chile can now be called a force to reckon with in the game. They still have a lot of work to be done, especially in front of goal, but they can hold their head high going into the World Cup next year.
Ochoa: A Fit for Europe’s Elite
Mexico’s goalkeeper, Guilermo Ochoa, deserves a move to a top European club. He made a lot of stunning saves during the tournament. For both his club and country, he’s had to cope with porous defenses (as he also did during this tournament), but he showed he is a keeper more than capable of stopping some of Europe’s best. His current club, Granada, just got relegated. So he could get a chance to play behind a top-calibre defense, something that has eluded him throughout his career.
Arturo Vidal: Hairstyle King
That was a impressive tournament for Chile, getting past Portugal on penalties. They're on definitely on the international football map; I look for them to make a run next year. What can you say about Germany? Wow, even with an inexperienced team, they still won.
Chile would be a dark horse at the tournament next summer if they make it to the World Cup. It would be a shame if they do not.
Very good points - especially about Low's genius, and Vidal's hair! I had pretty low expectations but rather enjoyed watching the games that I had a chance to watch. How does Germany's JV team with this tournament?! Surprising result for me.
We also learnt that other countries should not bother boarding the plane to Russia next summer. FIFA should send the World Cup trophy to Germany.
Lol. Don't be so sure about that. I see France being a major contender, or even Brazil, if they can get themselves together
Great round up and summary of the event...Vidal steals the show with those supercuts! Well done to Germany
I was disappointed that Chile--the better team, I thought--was unable to come up with a goal against Germany, and in fact were wasteful in front of goal all tournament long. Their midfield is beyond reproach, but without a true #10, can they win it all? I'd love to see the WC trophy in Santiago next summer, but I'm afraid nothing can derail Germany.
I thought it was a fun tournament. Mexico showed that they're capable, and if their defense gets some help, they could make noise. Offensively, especially on the left, they're dangerous opponents. Russia was a true disappointment, with everything to play for.
Good analysis.
This was Germany's B team, they are a machine.
Germany takes soccer to different level .. What a display of organised soccer.
Awesome! It was a good cup to watch, Germany have big chances to repeat championship
The VAR needs to be a success in the World Cup. It will eventually help minimize human error and should be expanded to the major leagues.
That's if they can perfect it