Andrea Pirlo: still the best (Video)

Initially, I was going abstain from watching the Confederations Cup.

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Santi Cazorla: Arsenal's maestro (Video)

OK, so this is it now, no more football for another month or so following Brazil's triumph at the Confederations Cup. 

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A closer look at the art of the substitution and why Jose Mourinho should be admired

I would like to issue a warning before you (hopefully) read this blog post. 

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Where did Spain go wrong against Brazil? Have they been found out?

If there is one criticism about the all-conquering Spanish national team it is that they can be boring to watch. The endless passing, nice triangles and interchanging of positions are all done as they wait for the crucial moment when their opponents make a mistake and they can suddenly attack. However, as we witnessed during the semi-final of the Confederations Cup against Italy, what do they do when the rival team is well organised, disciplined and happy for them to have the ball?

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Will Neymar become the best in the world?

With Brazil’s more than convincing going over of Spain last night, it’s safe to say Brazil are back, the passion, pride and the olé’s are back. The Maracana played host to the resurgent Brazil breezing past a sub-par Spanish side who struggled to contain one man, many will be playing alongside next season, Neymar.

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Edinson Cavani - a taster (Video)

You'd think that a team with a front pairing of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani would be quite a formidable opponent, no?

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Do England stand a chance in Brazil next year?

The Confederations Cup serves two purposes: 1. to fill Sepp Blatter's pockets and 2. a dress rehearsal for hosts Brazil ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

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Neymar could take Europe by storm (Video)

Brazil are safely through to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup, where they will face Uruguay, and the host nation has been producing some fantastic football during their opening three matches.

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Is football more important than public services?

Although the protests in Brazil began as a response to a price rise in local transport, they escalated across the country and millions of people got involved to voice their anger at the decision to spend millions of pounds on hosting the Confederations Cup and preparing for next year's World Cup.

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Will featherweight Neymar cut it in Europe?

If it’s not like watching a graceful ballet, it’s like reading a deft peom. Watching Neymar glide past opponents, making sturdy pros look like fumbling bad guys in a slapstick scene, is art in motion.

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Confederations Cup a happy surprise; but dark clouds loom

I wasn't keen on the Confederations Cup to begin with. I didn't see the point in such a tournament and bemoaned that it was another money maker for Blatter and his cronies.

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The forgotten Brazilian trying to shine (video)

Last night saw Brazil once again show what they can do as they pushed aside Mexico with some ease in their second game of the Confederations cup. One player that many may have been surprised to see on the score sheet again though is former Everton and Manchester City man Jo.

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The excitement of the Confederations Cup (Video)

The Confederations Cup has kicked off in Brazil and we are blessed with some football to fill the barren summer months where there is little to report on except transfer rumours and managerial appointments. The tournament is a strange mix of teams, from the established and historically successful powerhouses to a tiny island nation making their debut. European and World champions Spain are favourites to add yet another trophy to their growing collection, whilst the hosts will be keen to finally play some competitive football after such a long time contesting friendlies.

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Confederations cup can give Fernando Torres his confidence back (video)

Spain will take part in the Confederations Cup hosted in Brazil over the next couple of weeks as winners of the European Championships from last year. One of the things a lot of people will be looking out for in this tournament will be how Fernando Torres plays for Spain, he began to find some confidence towards the end of last season’s Premier League campaign and fans of the striker will be hoping that Torres can really find himself again in this tournament.

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Confederations cup offers Neymar a chance to shine on national stage (video)

The Confederations cup kicks off this weekend as Brazil take on Japan in the opening fixture. The tournament offers Brazil a chance to test some of their infrastructure before they host the biggest tournament in the world next summer. This warm up tournament will also allow them to show other teams around the world what they can do and one player who will want to take maximum advantage of this opportunity will be newly signed Barcelona player Neymar.

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