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FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Teams That Are Bound to Disappoint in Group Play
Published: June 15, 2013
Like the latter global phenomenon, this tournament is held once every four years. The hosting Brazil national football team will participate, along with reigning World Cup champion Spain, Mexico, Japan, Uruguay, Italy, Nigeria and Tahiti.
Unfortunately for some of these clubs, they are inevitably destined to have letdowns and not fulfill expectations in the tournament of champions.
Let's take a look at the national squads who are likeliest to have disappointing efforts in this tantalizing precursor to the grandest spectacle in football.
Italy
The past two matches have resulted in draws for the Azzurri, but that's not the only red flag entering their opening fixture against Mexico.
Spain beat Italy in its impressive run in the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, and in addition to Mexico, they will have to negotiate the progressing Brazil squad in Group A.
Making matters more difficult is that striker Mario Balotelli was announced by the Italian Football Federation as doubtful for Sunday's match, according to the Hindustan Times. Balotelli suffered a thigh injury, and that cut his training short.
As ESPN's John Brewin highlights, Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli has incredible versatility in terms of the tactics he deploys on the pitch. Prandelli has the capability to throw four different formations at opponents based on how personnel match up.
What's also working in Italy's favor is that its defense is characteristically stout, keyed by team captain goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and defender Giorgio Chiellini.
However, it's difficult to tell which team will show up. The one that tied Haiti in a recent friendly fixture certainly won't ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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