Confederations Cup Group Stage TV Preview

(All times - UK)

Sunday 14 June

15:00 South Africa v Iraq, FIFA Confederations Cup Group A, BBC Interactive
Expect this match to be high on pathos but low on quality. Neither team is in great shape but it's nice to see the Asian champions taking centre stage along with the hosts in front of a packed house and a global(ish) audience.



Chris O: Iraq; Redduffman: Draw; Sp3ktor: Draw; Seb: Iraq; Chris Nee: South Africa

19:30 New Zealand v Spain, FIFA Confederations Cup Group A, BBC3
New Zealand pushed Italy right to the edge last Wednesday in a ding-donger which saw the world champions scrape through 4-3! The All Whites may have brought their shooting boots but will miss Ryan Nelsen. The European champions are a far more complete side and are unlikely to tolerate any shenanigans from Shane Smeltz and his chums. Could be a giggle if Spain start slowly.

Monday 15 June

15:00 Brazil v Egypt, FIFA Confederations Cup Group B, BBC Interactive
Brazil's latest round of World Cup qualifiers puts them top of their group. Add to that a rare win in Montevideo against Uruguay and you have a tooled-up and confident Brazil. Egypt, for their part, are desperate to wash off the stench of failure having lost to their hated rivals Algeria. Expect more pain for the North Africans.
(PHOTO: AFP)

19:30 USA v Italy, FIFA Confederations Cup Group B, BBC3
On paper, this should be Italy's game. However, the world champions' form has been patchy of late so if the US can overcome their own recent shortcomings, they could cause an upset.



Chris O: Italy; Redduffman: Italy; Sp3ktor: Draw; Seb: Italy; Chris Nee: Italy

Wednesday 17 June

15:00 Spain v Iraq, FIFA Confederations Cup Group A, BBC Interactive
If Spain field a full strength team against their Asian counterparts, this should be a pretty one-sided affair. If they don't...

19:30 South Africa v New Zealand, FIFA Confederations Cup Group A, BBC3
The hosts best chance to get a result. However, if NZ managed to carry their goal scoring form this far we could be in for a flawed classic.

Thursday 18 June

15:00 USA v Brazil, FIFA Confederations Cup Group B, BBC Interactive
A fantastic opportunity for the US to test themselves against some of the best attackers on the planet. The competition will be in full swing and Brazil will be sure to test the US defence's resolve.

19:30 Egypt v Italy, FIFA Confederations Cup Group B, BBC3
If Egypt start the tournament as badly as I fear, this could be a bit of a procession. On the other hand, if the ANC champions can muster some spirit then a classic battle of pace versus guile is in store.

Saturday 20 June

19:30 Iraq v New Zealand, FIFA Confederations Cup Group A, BBC Interactive
Group A is pretty open so there is every chance that there will be something to play for in the final round of fixtures, even if it is the wooden spoon.



Chris O: Iraq; Redduffman: New Zealand; Sp3ktor: Iraq; Seb: Iraq; Chris Nee: Iraq

19:30 Spain v South Africa, FIFA Confederations Cup Group A, BBC3
Assuming Spain get maximum points from their first two games they will be able to take their foot off the gas somewhat. This should play into the hands of the hosts as you can be certain that they will slip up somewhere. Could be tense and possibly farcical.

Sunday 21 June

19:30 Egypt v USA, FIFA Confederations Cup Group B, BBC Interactive
By rights this will be the battle to avoid the bottom. Any slip-ups from the two favourites could make things interesting but unless you have a direct interest, the game to watch is...

19:30 Italy v Brazil, FIFA Confederations Cup Group B, BBC3
... which could also be a dead rubber depending on previous results. Either way, an entertaining contrast in styles is on the cards. This pair got together in February at the Emirates and Brazil handed the Italians a bit of a tonking. Let's see what happens this time.



Chris O: Draw; Redduffman: Draw; Sp3ktor: Brazil; Seb: Brazil; Chris Nee: Italy