Australia Bound for 2017 Confederations Cup
The FIFA Confederations Cup, as a national teams tournament, is second only to the FIFA World Cup in global football. Like the World Cup, the Confederations Cup takes place quadrennially; always in the year before the next World Cup. So the 2017 Confederations Cup, to be held in Russia from 17 June to 2 July, is also regarded as a rehearsal for the main event next year.
Previously, Australia had qualified for the Confederations Cup only three times: in 1997, 2001 and 2005. On all three occasions, it was as the top team in Oceania’s OFC. This year, for the first time, the Australian team made it into the Confederations Cup as the winner of the Asian confederation, the AFC.
That left the top spot in the OFC open for New Zealand to take, and as a result both sides are in the tournament for the first time ever. They will face six other teams: Russia, Germany and Portugal from UEFA, Cameroon from CAF, Mexico from CONCACAF and Chile from CONMEBOL.
Moscow’s Confederations Cup Park Already a Hit
The Confederations Cup action will be spread across four Russian cities: Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi, and the hosts are pulling out all the stops to display their readiness for next year’s World Cup. Moscow’s Confederations Cup Park has been set up in one of the city’s most popular entertainment districts, the Muzeon Park of Arts.
It is already drawing fans, more than a month before the tournament start, to take selfies with the trophy or view the various football-related exhibits. Robokeeper, the unbeatable robot goalie, is attracting the biggest crowds.
The eight teams in the Confederations Cup are divided into two pools in the opening stages of the competition. Australia is in Group B, with Cameroon, Chile and current World Cup champions Germany.
So the Aussies face a tough start, and it will take a few big upsets for them to make it beyond the pool stages into the knockout rounds. If they do manage that feat, of course, they are going to reward punters who back them handsomely.
More About Cameron Hollands
After working part time in one of Australia’s finest casinos to fund his journalism studies, Cameron Hollands discovered a passion for sports betting. A few years and many successful bets later, he is now putting his considerable experience to good use, and is a regular contributor for australiansportsbetting.net.
Cameron’s expert advice, insight into the sporting world and straightforward reporting style has earned him many fans, and he enjoys sharing his expertise with fellow punters.
You May Also Like:
Tommy Watson Resigns As Lambert Coach
Lambert football coach Tommy Watson has announced his decision to step down after only two seasons coaching the Longhorns. Watson also said he plans on accepting the role of head ….
Landmark Maternity Ruling For Football
Going forward, England’s professional female football players will enjoy maternity cover as well as long-term sickness insurance as part of their contracts. The landmark decision was hailed a massive step ….
FIFA Confirms Investigation Into Gabon Abuse
World governing body FIFA has now confirmed the official opening of an investigation following allegations of sexual abuse in Gabonese football. The investigation will be conducted by FIFA’s independent ethics ….
Norwich’s Dan Barden Diagnosed With Cancer
Norwich goalie Dan Barden has been diagnosed with testicular cancer. According to a statement issued by Norwich City this week, the 20-year-old will be closely monitored during his entire time ….
Olyroos Sanctioned For Bad Behaviour
Australia’s Olympic Football contingency has been admonished for poor behaviour put on during a flight back home from the Tokyo Olympics. While Football Australia has reportedly imposed sanctions on the ….