Brazil vs. Spain

         

            

Brazil vs. Spain Game of the Year? Dream Final?

                                                           By: Kevin Cataldo

  August 8^th, 2013 

Months before the start of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 in Brazil. The world of football, had already predicted a “dream final”. The world wanted current World Cup and European champions Spain; to battle the five-time World Cup champions Brazil in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013.

 

Furthermore, FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 hosts Brazil. Opened the tournament, on June 15^th, 2013 in the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, in Brasilia. Brazil’s young star Neymar entered the tournament without scoring any goals for the Brazil. A curse of ten games without scoring. Nevertheless, in the 3^rd minute of the opening game of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013, Neymar scored a magnificent goal that shocked the fans in Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha. Neymar showed the world that the “five-time World Cup champions” were back to dominate world football once again. Brazil went on to defeat Japan 3-0, goals from Neymar, Paulinho, and Jô. Neymar went on to be elected man of the match. That was the start of the Brazilian dream. Brazil went on to defeat Mexico 2-0. With another stunning goal from Neymar in the 9^th minute of the game. In addition, in the 90^th minute of the game Neymar dribbled against two Mexican defenders, which shocked the fans in Estádio Castelão, in Fortaleza and assisted Jô in scoring the second goal of the game. The Brazilian star Neymar went on to be elected man of the match once again.  Last, Brazil went on to play four-time World Cup champions Italy. Brazilian defender Dante scored the opening goal of the game, giving Brazil the lead at the end of the first half. The Brazilian star Neymar had awaken in the 55^th minute of the second half. By scoring another spectacular goal, from a free kick that shocked the Brazilian fans once again. Brazil went on defeating Italy 4-2, goals from Dante, Neymar, and two goals from Fred.

 

In the semifinal of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013, Brazil awaited Uruguay. The Seleção were highly aware that Uruguay was a tough opponent. However, they knew a win wasn’t impossible. On June 26, 2013 Brazil defeated Uruguay 2-1 and booked their place in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013. Once again, Brazilian star Neymar showed the world of what he and Brazil are capable of doing in field of football. In the 86^th minute of the game, Neymar took part of the goal that booked Brazil into the final. He assisted Brazil’s central midfielder Paulinho in scoring the winning goal of the game. The Seleção was once again in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup, their third consecutive final.  

 

            One June 27, 2013 the entire Brazilian nation awaited to see. Who the Seleção would battle for the Confederations Cup title. The entire world wanted the five-time World Cup champions Brazil to face current World Cup champions. Defending World Cup and European champions Spain booked their spot in the semifinal of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 with no trouble. They defeated Uruguay 2-1 in their opening game. Followed by a 10-0 victory over Tahiti. Last, a 3-0 win over Nigeria. A semifinal against four-time World Cup champions Italy. Nevertheless, one would argue that the Italians were seeking for a “revenge”, for the heartbroken defeat of 4-0 that they faced in the final of Euro 2012 against World Cup champions Spain, last summer. However, one would also argue that Spain knew that the FIFA Confederations Cup was the only FIFA championship that they haven’t won. Additionally, they also knew that winning the Confederations Cup. Would make them the only team in history to ever win a two consecutive Euros followed by a World Cup and a Confederations Cup. 

 

Furthermore, one would argue that the semifinal match between Spain and Italy is the greatest semifinal, in the history of the Confederations Cup. The heat and humidity in Fortaleza, Brazil lead to an anxious semifinal. Both Spain and Italy played with all their hearts that the first half of the game was fast and lovely to watch. The next half made the game even more anxious, as the clock approached towards the end of the second half. The players knew that one mistake would cost them a place in the dream final against Brazil. Nevertheless, the moment the game headed towards extra time, the players became extremely tired and even more nervous. 

 

            However, during extra time one would argue that Spain had the better chances to score.  But Italy came close, and almost broke the dead lock, in the 93^rd minute Emanuele Giaccherini hit the post of the goal. Additionally, Spain had a chance to break the dead lock as well. In the 115^th minute Spain’s midfielder Xavi got his shot deflected towards the post of the goal by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Last, the game ended in an anxious penalty shootout that it ended with thirteen success kicks and one kick that changed that history of game. Italian player Leonardo Bonucci kicked the ball over the net. Which allowed Jesus Navas to score and send Spain to their first ever FIFA Confederations Cup final.

 

June 30^th, 2013 the day every Brazilian and Spaniard had been waiting for. Five-time World Cup champions against current World Cup and European champions Spain. On that day, at the Estádio do Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro the world had seen a young and developing national soccer team. That didn’t allow Spain to breathe from the start of the game to the end of the game. The young Brazilian team got off to a vivid start, the moment a long ball was placed in the Spanish box and misplayed by defender Spanish defender Arbeloa, who at first brought the ball down towards the ground with his bare hands. Additionally, Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas was on the ground, and the ball missed placed by Arbeloa landed on Brazilian striker Fred foot, who placed in the back of the net. And gave the Seleção a 1-0 lead in the 2^nd minute of the first half.  Fred’s goal was the fastest goal to ever be scored in a final of a Confederations Cup.  Brazilian defender David Luiz, was the Brazilian hero that night along with Brazilian star Neymar. Five minutes from the end of the first half. David came flying out of nowhere towards the Brazilian box, and deflected the ball from heading towards the back of the goal with a spectacular tackle.  

 

In addition, in the 44^th minute Brazilian star Neymar. Doubled Brazil’s lead just before half time. The goal came from, a quick pass from Ocsar. Which allowed Neymar to blast the ball past the head of Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas. One would argue that if it wasn’t for Neymar’s marvelous alteration to get himself from an office side position. Brazil would’ve headed into the locker room, with a 1-0 lead over Spain. Nevertheless, Brazil only needed less than three minutes to increase their lead up to 3-0, another goal from Brazilian striker Fred.
     
Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Spain. Gave Brazil their fourth Confederations Cup. The young Brazilian squad showed the world that Brazil are favorites to lift the World Cup next summer, mainly because  the tournament is being hosted on their home soil, and the fact that it’s going to be 12 years since Brazil were crowned World Cup Champions. However, one would argue that Spain’s not done, and that they will return to Brazil next summer stronger than ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pelé, Zidane, and Casillas -“Hope for a Better Tomorrow”.

Pelé, Zidane, and Casillas -“Hope for a Better Tomorrow”.
By: Kevin Cataldo

  Date: August 8^th, 2013

  When you think of FIFA World Cup you think of Pelé, Zidane, and Casillas. In the year of 1958 a young boy with only seventeen years of age. Named Pelé gave the Brazilian nation "Hope for a better tomorrow". After losing to Uruguay on home soil, in the 1950 FIFA World Cup Final. And, failing to win the ultimate prize again in the 1954 World Cup. The year 1958 had arrived, and Pelé gave the Brazilian nation, what they've been waiting for a "FIFA World Cup Championship". Today, Pelé is considered "The King of Football". Additionally, Pelé was responsible for putting the Brazilian football, into the history of world football. Between 1958 and 1970 Pelé helped Brazil win three FIFA World Cups. Furthermore, today, Pelé is considered the greatest player of the 20^th century, and holds a record of all-time goal scorer of Brazil's national football team and is the only footballer in Brazil's history to be a part of three World Cup-winning squads.

 Nevertheless, Zinedine Zidane can be considered the second "Pelé", when it comes to World Cup success. For example, in 1998 Zidane lead France to their first ever FIFA World Cup triumph. Zidane accomplished the greatest gift of all times, "a world cup triumph," an accomplishment former French footballer player and current UEFA President Michel Platini couldn't achieve. Zidane gave France an achievement to be proud of, he gave them "a hope for a better tomorrow. Moreover, in 2000 Zidane showed the world that France was once again able to compete and dominate world football. Sixteen years later since they're first European Championship triumph. France was crowned European champions once again. Besides his success with the French national soccer team. Zinedine Zidane, became the first French football player in history to be elected FIFA World Player of the Year. In 2004 Zidane was elected the best European footballer of the past fifty years by UEFA. Last, in 2006 the world said farewell to a legend, Zidane was awarded the golden ball an award that is awarded for the best player in a FIFA World Cup tournament.

 

Furthermore, current Real Madrid and Spain's national football team captain Iker Casillas. Also, gave the Spanish people "hope for a better tomorrow". Today, the world has been convinced that Iker Casillas, can be considered the best goalkeeper of all times, however, many critics would disagree. Moreover, Iker has been elected FIFA FIFPro World's Best Goalkeeper five times in a row, in 2008,2009,2010,2011, and 2012. Within the last five years Iker has accomplished only success, with the Spanish national football team. In 2008 Iker lead Spain in winning their second European Championship, after a forty four year curse Additionally, in 2010 Iker lead Spain in winning the ultimate prize their first ever FIFA World Cup championship. Last, in 2012 Iker lead Spain in winning they're third European Championship. Which lead not only him in becoming the first goalkeeper in the history of football but also making Spain the first team in history to ever, win two consecutive European Championships, followed by a World Cup, which is known as the "historical treble".