FIFA Confederations Cup - A Brief History

FUTNSOCCER.COM FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP Through the years BRASIL 2013 The beginning of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 is just around the corner. Eight nations from 6 continents will meet in one of the most prestigious international competitions in the world. The Confederations Cup is held every 4 years, where its participants are the host nation, the reigning World Cup champion, and 6 FIFA confederation champions. This year's participants are Brazil, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain, Tahiti, and Uruguay. The kick-off will be June 15, 2013, but before that, let's take a look at how this majestic tournament has transformed over the years. Has the Confederations Cup always been called the Confederations Cup? KING FAHD CUP?? The international tournament was born in 1992 after it was organized and held in Saudi Arabia. It is said that King Fahd of Saudi Arabia was a huge fan of the sport, and with his country's huge wealth, they began to organize a small international tournament with only 4 nations. The cup would be called King Fahd Cup for its first 2 editions (1992, 1995). Modern Day Confederations Cup In 1997, FIFA acknowledged the economic and prestigious significance of the tournament leading to them taking over the cup. The new Confederations Cup would be held every 2 years from 1997-2005 (5 editions). After 2005, it was moved to every 4 years. HOW MANY NATIONS HAVE PARTICIPATED THE TOURNAMENT? 29 NATIONS In the 8 editions of the Confederations Cup (1992-2009) there have been a total of 29 nations who have participated. Of those - not counting the 2013 edition - Brazil has been there the most (6), with Mexico in 2nd (5), In 1992 only teams were admitted into the tournament while in 1995 6 nations competed; since 1997, there have been 8 nations per cup. and Saudi Arabia and the United States in 3rd (4). Who has been Confederation Cup Champs? -Brazil leads the list with 3 titles (1997, 2005, 2009) -France won two in a row during their golden age (2001, 2003) -Mexico took an impressive victory from Brazil (1999) -Argentina won the first edition of the King Fahd Cup (1992) -Denmark won it in their only appearance (1995) Who is ke all-time leading Scorer in the competition GO000OLLL DE Cuauhtémoc Blanco from Mexico is the reigning all- time leading scorer in the Confederations Cup with 9 goals. He scored 3 goals in the 1997 edition, while his 6 goals were fundamental for Mexico's title in the 1999 edition. CUAUH! What's Next? Now that we know the format, history, and top winners of the Confederations Cup, what will happen in the Brazil 2013 edition? Will Brazil win its 3rd straight Confederations title and 4th of all time? KICK- OFF THIS JUNE 15 Will someone beat Cuauhtémoc Blanco's 9 goals? Many things will happen when the competition kicks-off in Brasilia next June 15, 2013, but only one thing is for certain; the competition and atmosphere will be the closest thing we experience before next year's World Cup. BROUGHT TO YOU BY: FUTNSOCCER.COM Facebook.com/futnsoccer @futnsoccer Piktochart