Hasn’t the Confederations Cup been great?

Well, hasn’t it been great? From the opening minutes of that opening game when Neymar was firing home that impeccably executed volley, through the thrills and fun of the group games and semi-finals, to the final. I honestly cannot recall one bland game in over the 2 week duration of this year’s Confederations Cup. If this competition is merely Brazil’s supposed warm-up for the real deal of the 2014 World Cup, then we are in for a treat.

Here are my 6 reasons why I believe the Confederations Cup has been so flipping fantastic.

Neymar

What a talent! This tournament has been the ultimate blow for Neymar cynics. There was a sense in the build-up to the tournament that many were waiting to deliver a big fat ‘I told you so!”, after questioning the huge fee Barcelona paid for a supposedly ‘overrated’ footballer who has yet to play outside of Brazil. However, undoubtedly, Neymar has been the star of the tournament.

Perhaps the opening minutes of the opening match were a sign of things to come in this Confederations Cup for Neymar, as the Brazilian delivered a moment of absolute magic. After a precise pass from Paulinho to Fred, the number 9 chested the ball back to Neymar, who delivered one of the most textbook volleys you are ever going to see, sending the ball rocketing into the top corner from 20 yards out. This was only three minutes into the first game of the tournament – Neymar was making his intentions clearly known: this was his tournament.

The next few games provided a whole host of tricks and flicks which could make a very impressive and lengthy Youtube compilation by themselves – you will not see many better assists than the way he bamboozled the Mexican defence before setting up Jo for the 2nd goal against Mexico.

Showboating aside, Neymar wasn’t done with goalscoring either, as he netted 4 goals in 5 games. including that powerful left footed drive in the final to all abut secure Brazil’s victory and the clinching of the Confederations Cup. His left footed volley against Mexico once again demonstrated his incredible technique, whilst he showed sheer audacity by daring – and succeeding – to rocket a stunning 20 yard freekick straight past the right shoulder of the legendary Buffon, who remained rooted to the spot.

Admittedly, there have been quite a few ‘theatrics’ from the poster-boy of Brazilian football, but we can only hope that these are ironed out of his game when he moves to Europe. I for one cannot wait to see Neymar playing alongside the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi next season. The 2013 Confederations Cup has been his tournament.

Quality on Show

The quality on show at this year’s competition has been brilliant and has surpassed anything that was offered in the previous Confederations Cup and the World Cup that followed it a year later. In fact, the more I thought about it, the 2013 Confederations Cup, in terms of quality of football and games, has been better than the majority of tournaments played since the turn of the century.

OK, so obviously the Confederations Cup is not exactly the most desired of trophies, but perhaps this lack of pressure to win the title has led to teams playing in a more carefree fashion. The fact that the competition only consists of 8 teams also means that the quality of teams on offer is streamlined and almost every game in the tournament consists of a elite teams battling it out (apart from Tahiti – but more on them later).

There have been numerous highlights throughout the tournament: some truly brilliantly individual showings from the likes of the aforementioned Neymar, Balotelli, Kagawa and Iniesta (who has been the best player in the competition behind Neymar for me); the Italy v Japan game was a stunning showcase of attacking football and flair; there have been some worldly goals, especially from the feet off Neymar. And, THAT final. What a final.