Analysts reports based on the wins and all-around performance proclaim that chances are Brazil takes the win in the great championship. Apart from being the host, which always benefits the country as it boosts more confidence and security, Brazil has been giving incredible performances in their last matches. Other analysts expect to see Spain as the Cup winner, being their European elegant type of soccer exactly the tool to counter every threat on the field.

A funny happening its that Spain and Uruguay had a friendly match not too long ago and they will also find themselves in the first phase of the Cup. Even so, we can take as many conjectures as we would like, but it is impossible to predict what the results will be in this coming Cup. We can surely expect to see a great display of ability  as many Brazil 2014 favorites line up to give it their all in the Confederations Cup!

Match Shedule

 Group A

Brazil
Japan
México
Italy

Matches
June 15
Brazil-Japan, 16.00 in Brasilia
June 16
México-Italy, 16.00 in Río de Janeiro
June 19
Brazil-México, 16.00 in Fortaleza
Italy-Japan, 19.00 in Recife
June 22
Japan-Mexico, 16.00 in Belo Horizonte
Italy-Brazil, 16.00 in Salvador

Group B

Spain
Uruguay
Tahití
Nigeria

Matches
June 16
Spain-Uruguay, 19.00 in Recife
June 17
Tahití-Africa, 16.00 in Belo Horizonte
June 20
Spain-Tahití, 16.00 in Río de Janeiro
Africa-Uruguay, 19.00 in Salvador
June 23
Africa-Spain, 16.00 in Fortaleza
Uruguay-Tahití, 16.00 in Recife

SEMIFINALS

June 26
Winner A vs. Second B, 16.00 in Belo Horizonte

June 27
Winner B vs. Second A, 16.00 in Fortaleza

THIRD PLACE

June 30
Loosers semifinals, 13.00 in Salvador

FINAL

June 30
Winners  semifinals, 19.00 in Río de Janeiro

Grand Reopening

To commemorate the grand reopening, a match between Ronaldo and Bebeto took place, being them two of the biggest stars Brazilian soccer has seen.

“It looks amazing,” said Ronaldo. “I’m happy to see the stadium ready again. The Maracana is a symbol of this country.”

All the works that had a part in the renovation were invited along with their families to see the first event in this new part of the Maracanas history, which will witness some of the most exiting matches of the Confederations Cup in June. Not only the workers were invited, but also former president Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva alongside Brazil current president Dilma Rouseff, among 30,000 people who also attended to the great party, which saw its fair share of controversy dealing with delays, protests and lots of criticism.

Privatization and Protest

The event also witnessed a pacific protest made by a few hundred individuals, standing up against the privatization plan of the stadium, claiming it would give must less revenues to the government ultimately leading up to the closure of a grand monument of Brazilian football. They also included a nearby public school and some athletic centers in the area.  The Maracana was supposed to be finished last December, but with the roof change up, it was kept closed to a new deadline. This new deadline was April 15, and it was also missed by the designers.

Constant Upgrades

The renovations took around $500 million, which met incredible criticism from different groups, as the stadium already received a colossal renovation in 2007 for the Pan American Games. It also had significant upgrades around the 2000 World Cup. Of the 5,000 workers, each received special tickets for both them and their families and the local media reported at least a quarter of them were selling the tickets for around $50. This special ceremony was made only for the workers and special authorities, were local artists sang and one of the main workers of the stadium did the first kickoff.

“I was moved,” Antonio Pereira said when he passed to ball to Ronaldo. “It’s like being able to enter in the house that you built yourself.”

The international Uruguayan Luis Suarez is world-wide known as a first-class player, being the top striker of Premier League in UK, but also for it disciplinary scandals. In the race for Brazil 2014, at the South American Qualifiers, Suarez punched the Chilean player Gonzalo Jara and FIFA now is assessing the possible sanction.

But on top of that, Suarez has been in the middle of a PR backfire since last Sunday, as he bit the arm of Chelsea’s player Ivanovic:

Suarez has a vast history of incidents, including another bite when playing for Ajax, racism controversy with Manchester United player Patrick Evra, accused from diving, among many others. The FA and FIFA are evaluating a lengthy ban for this formidable yet controversial football star.

Humour on Twitter

But all these disgusting images came with plenty of humour for many others, as Suarez’s bite became TT on twitter last Sunday:

#PlayersontheSuarezMenu: Branislav Ivanosandwich – John Cherry – MacaRooney – Nachos Monreal – Burgertov – Sergio Biscuits – Ashley Coleslow – Frank Lamb Parts

This TT on Twitter because so popular that even Mike Tyson (ex boxer who bit Holyfield) started following Luis Suarez.

We will keep an eye on the final resolutions and possible bans for Liverpool’s and Uruguayan iconic striker to keep all our audience updated.

Second Official Use

The confederations cup (15 to 30 June) is the second tournament to officially use goal line technology, based on the use of 14 cameras in strategic locations of the stadium oriented goals.

In the 2012 World Cup (Japan), it was marked as the first soccer competition in applying GoalControl-4D, whose design is of German origin.

Fifa Comment

“According to the contest will also GoalControl technology provider of the goal line for the 2014 World Cup, provided the system meets the requirements of FIFA in the Confedeations Cup this year,” added a spokesman of Fifa. GoalControl German society was the fourth and last company to get a FIFA license, after the open competition conducted in February by the governing body of soccer around the world.

The note explains that when the ball is near the goal line, its position is recorded continuously and automatically in three dimensions. If the ball beyond the goal line completely, a core sends data in less than a second with a clock signal to the referee, confirming the goal.

The system is expected to be useful for removing the famous ghosts goals. FIFA seeks to reduce controversy about the legitimacy of the notes that historically has generated even physical clashes between the supporters of the clubs.

To watch the most shocking moments of the 2010 World Cup (we put the 2010 as the ghost goal technology wasn’t included), check out the video below!

1 out of 3

The striker from Barcelona had a hard time because in the first two attempts failed to nail it on the network, the fastest mechanical goalkeeper proved too much pressure.  The mechanical goal keep was developed by a famed technology industry of Japan, inputting the top technology available at the reaction times and efficiency of the goal keeper.

“I knew the mechanical goal keeper is great, “Messi said before the shots begun. “Hopefully, I can score! ”

Decription of the Shots

The first shot hit the bottom of the right post, the second was a shot that hit the top of the left post then rebounded off the crossbar and ended up out of field. Among the public and critics, debates begun on how Lionel Messi, the best striker of the world could get only one goal. The mechanical goal keeper is currently being eyed by many soccer enterprises to train players at their utmost, given the quality of the machine

The third shot which took the same direction as the second managed to get in and beat the goalkeeper robot, but this achievement touching. The Argentine celebrated the goals as if it were a real game. No wonder he did so, as he is one of the few players in the world that would stand a chance with the mechanical goal keeper.

Want so see the action for yourself? Check it out below!

This Tuesday begins the sale of tickets for the match between Uruguay and Paraguay for the qualifying for the World Cup Brazil 2014 to be held on the 22nd of this month at Centenario Stadium. The match will take place at 7pm, in what promises to be a ferocious encounter between the two great teams.

Expected Results

Premelinary reports tell that the two teams are likely to draw given their efficiency in the last few matches they have had. Football stars like Forlan and Suarez will be on the field, so we will likely have a nice show of great soccer

The ticket prices for engagement between Uruguay and Paraguay are: Slopes Amsterdam $ 150 Colombes, Colombes Tribunes Amsterdam and $ 400, Tribune Olympic (rings 2 and 3, unnumbered) $ 650, Tribune Olympic (ring 1, numbered): and Plataea America (numbered): $ 1,300. All children up to age 5, inclusive, shall have free access at all locations without the right to occupy numbered seats. All the prices are given in Uruguayan values, should you be interested, 1 American dollar = 20 Uruguayan pesos.

As it often happens with important matches that draw lots of enthusiasts, the American tribune, sector Colombes (gate 24) is reserved for the Paraguayan fanatics, so they can cheer their team in the field, as Brazil 2014 gets closer.

And will be sold at the box office Abitab Centenario Stadium every day from 10 to 18 hours and also at the box office of the AUF every working day in the same schedule.

The Olympics is an exciting worldwide event that celebrates the unique quality of cultures in a friendly high-tier athletic competition. Countries all around the world are constantly in the bidding process to bring the international event to their home. The Olympics is an international competition that attracts massive amounts of tourists and puts the hosting country in a desired world spotlight. The massive influx of tourism during, before and after the Olympics provides a great economical boost for the hosting country.

The 2012 Games were held in London, a world renown location that is, for the most part, a safe and trusted city. Rio De Janeiro (Brazil) will be the host for the widely anticipated 2016 Olympics. Rio is a beautiful location and arguably Brazil’s most infamous city. However, the city is also notorious for a bad reputation in safety and this critical issue comes to mind as the 2016 Olympics approach. It is important to keep in mind that Rio’s notorious reputation for crime is subject to inflamed media portrayal and exaggerations. The crime rate is no more alarmingly higher than any large city, but safety tips do vary.

Rio had made three unsuccessful bids to host the Olympics prior to the 2016 slot and is sparing no expense at improving infrastructure, attractions and public safety concerns. Over R$23 billion is being invested in the city to improve public transit, roads, water, sanitation, bike paths and transport to and from the Olympic site. Police and crime fighting has seen a vigilante-like surge as Rio aims to improve its public safety reputation. Increased amounts of raids on local gangs and drug kingpins have been seen across the city, as well as a huge increase in social police presence.

If you want to buy a reasonably priced airline ticket it is best to book your flight in advance as the last minute booking process is bound to be hectic and expensive. Although Rio is incorporating high amounts of funding to improve its safety, it never hurts to consider the well known safety tips associated with travel to Rio.

Safety Tips

• -It is recommended to travel with a large group of friends and to avoid walking the streets alone at night.
• - Flashy jewellery, cash and passports are among the most important items to NOT carry. Fake jewellery will not be distinguishable to prospective thieves, so this does not make you any less likely to be robbed.
• - Be weary of groups of youth who approach. Even if they seem friendly and talkative, they are usually trying to distract you while their accomplices snatch your belongings. If you notice a group of teens approaching you, cross the street quickly and avoid alleys/thinly populated areas.
• -Only carry the amount of cash you need and never carry surplus. Try to also distribute your cash in different pockets.
• -Avoid public transit. Call a reputable taxi company and try to avoid picking a random taxi off the street. (especially important at night)
• -Avoid slum areas (favelas). Even the reputable tours pay a sum of their profits to the criminal syndicate controlling the slum to ensure the safety of the tour party. Clearly not a guarantee.
• -The beaches are beautiful but it has been reported some thieves scour the area at night looking for tourists with valuable belongings. If you want to go to the beach at night, go in a large group and follow the above recommendations. Food vendors on the beach carry seductive foods, but some may be unsanitary as they have spent the whole day in the sun.

Rio clearly has many safety concerns but many assume the 2016 Olympics will be a changing point in the city’s reputation. Improvements for the Olympics will definitely reduce crime but it is always best to be vigilant (but not paranoid). Rio is a beautiful city and is bound to be an exciting location for the Olympics. Remember, all the safety tips are to keep you protected and safe but many are also subject to media alarmist hype and western fear mongering. Be smart, do some thorough research and be knowledgeable about the city’s areas and districts.

Check out for Rio’s most recent Olympics updates!

Below some videos with the stadium progress so far:

Unsurpassed Superiority

The Nigerian selection had an absolute control of the game, presenting an unbreakable and well positioned defense. On the other hand, even if Nigeria couldn’t score more goals, their superiority was noted in every aspect. It is attributed to a lack of definition that they couldn’t score more goals. Even so, preliminary reports favored the Nigerian selection and with regard, as they ended up taking the African cup home.

Group A on Confederations Cup

This win has made the Nigerian selection the future rival of Spain and Uruguay in Group B of the Confederations cup, to be held in Brazil next June. After the draw for the Confederations Cup Brazil 2013, the selection of Vicente Del Bosque has been drawn in Group B, along with those of Uruguay, Tahiti and the winner of the African Nations Cup.

Nigeria, under match schedule, will be the third, and last, rival of Spain in the group stage, in a match scheduled for June 23 at the stadium Castelao of the town of Fortaleza. Prior will play against Uruguay (June 16) and Tahiti (June 20).

Carles Puyol returns to glory

The biggest news is the return of Carles Puyol, absent for the past year with the senior Spanish, and the entry of the young Francisco ‘Isco’ Alarcon, whom are the main novelties of the list of Vicente del Bosque for the friendly match against Uruguay next Wednesday in Doha. Del Bosque comments that with this two figures and an all-around great team, they haven’t left any loose ends in what he expects to be an incredible performance by his team.

Puyol wasn’t able to play with the team in February 29, 2012, when a friendly match took place against Venezuela in Malaga, which resulted in a brutal victory by the European team, ending 5-0. The next match against the Charrua team will mark the 100 match with the Spanish selection Puyol plays, a historic mark for the great player.

Helping the Spanish selection to achieve victory, we will also be able to find Isco, a Malaga player that currently is of the biggest sensations among young people, believed to be the next great promise of world soccer.  Another outstanding entry is César Azpilicueta, from Chelsea right side, instead of Juan franco Torres (Atletico Madrid) and it is also marked the absence of his teammate Fernando Torres.

Spanish summoned players include:

Goalkeepers: Víctor Valdés (Barcelona) y Pepe Reina (Liverpool/ING).

Defenders: César Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ING), Carles Puyol, Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos, Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid) and Ignacio Monreal (Arsenal/ING).

Midlefielders: Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Cesc Fábregas, Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal/ING) and Isco Alarcón (Málaga).

Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City/ING), David Villa, Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Chelsea/ING) y Álvaro Negredo (Sevilla).

Uruguayan summoned players include:

Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray, TUR), Martín Silva (Olimpia, PAR).

Defenders: Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica, PAR), Diego Lugano (Málaga, ESP), Diego Godín (Atlético de Madrid, ESP), Sebastián Coates (Liverpool, ENG), Martín Cáceres (Juventus, ITA), Andrés Scotti (Nacional, URU), Matías Aguirregaray (Peñarol, URU).

Middlefielders: Alvaro González (Lazio, ITA), Alvaro Pereira (Palermo, ITA), Egidio Arévalo Ríos (Palermo, ITA), Diego Pérez (Bologna, ITA), Walter Gargano (Inter, ITA), Cristian Rodríguez (Atlético de Madrid, ESP), Gastón Ramírez (Southampton, ENG), Nicolás Lodeiro (Botafogo, BRA).

Forwards: Luis Suárez (Liverpool, ENG), Edinson Cavani (Napoli, ITA), Sebastián Fernández (Málaga, España), Diego Forlán (Internacional, BRA), Gonzalo Castro (Real Sociedad, ESP)