The Confederations Cup 2013 kicked off with Brazil taking on Japan on Saturday. Below, we review the first week of the tournament.
Brazil 3 : 0 Japan
A spectacular third minute goal by Barcelona new-boy Neymar set the tone for Brazil to romp to an easy victory over a Japan side featuring Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda. Dani Alves crossed for Paulinho and Jo was sent clear by Oscar to add the finishing touches.
With less than a year to go until Brazil hosts the World Cup finals, this is a tournament that will act as a dress rehearsal for the South Americans – on and off the pitch with protests taking place in Brazil recently.
Japan had a few chances of their own with Honda and substitute Ryoichi Maeda but the result was never in doubt for the hosts.
Italy 2 : 1 Mexico
Andrea Pirlo’s 100th cap was marked with the perfect start to the Confederations Cup in the Azurri’s first win over Mexico in 20 years.
Pirlo himself got on the scoresheet after he smashed in a typical free-kick in the 27th minute. Javier Hernandez equalized for the Mexicans with a penalty seven minutes later but, unlike Hernandez, it was Mario Balotelli who took the headlines as he coolly fired in the winner in the 78th minute and was subsequently booked for removing his shirt in the celebration.
Uruguay 1 : 2 Spain
World and European champions Spain kicked off their Confederations Cup tournament with a masterclass win over Uruguay which was much more one sided than the scoreline suggests.
Cesc Fabregas struck the post before a deflected Pedro shot bobbled in after 20 minutes. Fabregas then set up Roberto Soldado to slot home with a magical pass before Liverpool striker Luis Suarez floated in a wonderful free-kick as a consolation for the fans in Recife.
Spain largely dominated the match with 92% possession after nine minutes gone and Suarez’s goal at the end was the only piece of quality that the Copa America 2011 winners showed.
Tahiti 1 : 6 Nigeria
Nigeria may have outclassed Tahiti on the field, but the South Pacific islanders were celebrating a historic goal scored by defender John Tehau.
Nigeria sprinted into a 3-0 lead with less than half an hour gone, Tahiti captain Nicolas Vallar scoring an own goal and Nnamdi Oduamadi grabbed a couple. The result was no doubt settled before a ball was even kicked as Tahiti, ranked 138th, made their Confederations Cup debut marked with a goal. John Tehau nodded in from a corner and it sparked wild celebrations in Tahiti and in the stadium for the fans. Oduamadi grabbed his third before Tehau scored at the other end and Echiejile added the sixth.
TheSportMatrix.com 