The Greatest Goals in FIFA Confederation Cup History

Here's a video presented by FIFA's YouTube channel, I only find fitting since the Confederation Cup is under way and the final is set.  Brazil vs. Spain.  Enjoy and comment below to see which was your favorite, and I would love to hear who you guys think will win the final.  I have my prediction, and I'll share it with you guy's tomorrow.

Captain America is BACK!!!

Jurgen Klinsman has just released his 23-man roster for the U.S. Gold Cup and Captain America is back!  Landon Donovan has been called back to the U.S. National team after being absent for nearly 11 months.  Donovan, who has been in three World Cups, and has played a total of 144 games for the Stars and Stripes, as well as a record total of 49 goals, hasn't played for the national team since the teams' 1-0 win against Mexico back in August 15th of 2012 in a friendly.

Following another great season with the L.A. Galaxy, Donovan took a much needed break for four months after winning the MLS Cup last season.  Donovan who was the captain for the team will most likely have to earn that captain's armband back.  Clint Dempsey has been leading the team lately, and his form and leadership is felt on the field as well as off.

When asked by the USSF about Donovan's inclusion to the roster, Klinsman replied, "He needed time to get back in rhythm, get back in shape and work on his game again.  I think now the process is on a good roll.  He's getting sharper every game and every week.  We've watched his games and believe now is a good time to get him back into the national team and give him the opportunity to prove his point.  He knows that the group that played the World Cup qualifiers is ahead of the curve and have a very strong position right now, and that he's been observed by us and has to rebuild his case.  We have all respect for what he has done int the past, but sports are about the present and about the future."  Very strong words from the manager, but at the same time very true, and for a player like Landon, I'm sure he views this as motivation.  I'm pretty sure he will earn his spot on the team.  He still has the same passion and drive that made him such a great player, look for him to be one of the player's to watch once the Gold Cup starts for them on July 9th against Belize in Portland, Oregon.
Feel free to comment below, and tell us how you feel about the inclusion of Landon on the U.S. team again.

Carlo Ancelotti is new Real Madrid manager

Carlo Ancelotti is the new manager for Real Madrid.  Carlo comes to Madrid after leading Paris St. Germain to a French Ligue 1 title last season. Madrid president Florentino Perez has said countless times that he wanted Ancelotti to be the man to replace Mourinho. Mourinho left Madrid with the team divided and Ancelotti's non confrontational approach to coaching will undoubtedly unite the dressing room again.  Which is desperately needed for the team.

Carlo's resume is filled with great trophies and accolades.  Coaching big team's like Juventus and Chelsea, as well as winning many trophies which include Champion's League titles and multiple league titles, most recently with Paris St. Germain.

Carlos Tevez to Juventus

Star striker Carlos Tevez has just packed up and left for Turin, Italy to play for Juventus.  Manchester City agreed to let Tevez leave for a fee of £12 million pounds ($18.5 million dollars) as well as bonuses.

Tevez who joined Manchester City back in 2009 helped end the team's drought of any type of silverware, winning the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title the following season.  As well as scoring 58 goals in 107 appearances for City.

According to Italian media, Tevez will sign a contract for 3 years valued at £5.5 million pounds ($7.7 million dollars) per season.  Juventus who have been winning the "Scudetto" for the past two season, have done so with out a star forward.  So the signing of Tevez should provide the team with the needed firepower that they've been missing.

Confederation Cup Semi-final: Brazil vs. Uruguay

So the semi-final's start tomorrow for the Confederation Cup, and all I can say is we are in for some great clashes.  First we have Brazil against Uruguay who face off tomorrow,  and later on Spain against Italy.  Four world-class team's with world-class players.  Brazil versus Uruguay will be a fun game to watch. Seen as a rematch of the 1950's World Cup final where Uruguay defeated Brazil 2-1, known to soccer fans as "El Maracanazo".  The game will be fueled by passion especially from the Brazil squad as they want to still erase the memories of the 1950 World Cup final infront of their home crowd.

 

The host team (Brazil) is coming in to the semi-finals undefeated amd on the back of new Barcelona signee Neymar.  Neymar's performance thus far has been amazing, and has shut many critics up about whether or not he can hold his own against European team's. As of now in the tournament he's played in all three games and scored in all of them. A total of three, and one greatly made assist.  The kid is on fire and I only see him making big plays tomorrow when he amd his team faces Uruguay.

 

Uruguay comes into the semi-final's with their attacking trident all well rested.  Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez,  and Edinson Cavani were all given rest during Uruguays game against Tahiti. So each player will be playing to their full potential Wednesday.  Bottom line is this game will be a festival of goals and really entertaining.  Im giving the edge to Brazil, Brazil habe the talent all over the field wether its in the defense, midfield and forwards, as well as Neymar.  Then theres the reason that they're playing infront of their home, and I'm sure they dont want another "Maracanazo"!

Finally, my prediction, I'm giving the edge to Brazil.  They're coming into the semi's on a very high note, and next to Spain, they are the best team in the tournment.  Plus Neymar is playing on a great level.  Uruguay has the fire power but I think Brazil is just more well rounded. They have the fire power, and a pretty good defense capable of stopping Suarez, Cavani, or Forlan.  In other words, Brazil is a more complete team then Uruguay.  My score: 3-1 Brazil.

Confederation Cup woes continue for Italy

More bad news coming from the Italian sides camp as star striker Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of the tournament by team doctors.  Balotelli was sent home Monday due to a thigh injury.  The good news is that Andrea Pirlo, thr midfield maestro is recovering well and the team doctor is "optimistic" for his return for the semi-final game against Uruguay.

Mario Balotelli played all three of the group stage matches and scored two goals and one assist.  Besides Pirlo, he has been the sides explosive player. On top of thay he was the lone striker for the Azzuri's line-up.

Confederations Cup: Brazil vs Italy

This game on Saturday is going to be the game to watch. Two soccer power houses going at it for the dominance of group A of the Confederations Cup. ESPN commentator Jorge Ramos says, "the game will be played like a friendly."  I disagree.  These two teams play and they play to win always.  The winner will decide who finishes at the top of their group which will decide if they will go against Spain or Uruguay.

 

Italy's strength comes from its midfield but with the absence of Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi the team will relie heavily on Riccardo Montolivio.  Look for him to link with Mario Balotelli and his wingers in the likes of Alberto Aquilani, or Stephan El Shaarawy who will send some great passes to Balotelli and link up with him to set up some nice plays and counter attacks.

 

Speaking of Balotelli, I see him as a factor both good and bad.  Playing as a lone striker is a huge job, and the Italian will be leading the attack.  When he's inspired, Balotelli is world-class but when frustrated, becomes a ticking time bomb for his team.  Will he keep his temperament in check playing against world-class defenders.  We'll have to wait and see Saturday, but keep this player on your radar cause I'm naming him the one to watch for the Italian side.

Brazil have been on a roll their past two games.  But their real test is Saturday when they face Italy.  Brazil has a good team with lots of offensive power.  If they can manage to control their fullbacks in the likes of Dani Alves and Marcelo to not leave to many gaps open when pushing forward they should be fine.  Against Mexico and Japan both of these players pushed up without remorse, but doing that against the Italians could prove to be costly cause the Italians will expose those holes in their defense and create chances.

 

As for the player to watch for the Brazilian side, keep an eye on Neymar.  The recent Barcelona signee has been leading his team from the start of the tournament scoring two goals and one assist in two games.  He's really been playing great football, look for his show stopping dribbles and overall entertaining football to drive the home crowd crazy.

 

Finally my prediction.  I'm giving the edge to Brazil.  As the home team and the tournament being held in Brazil, the Samba Boys will be playing full throttle and inspired football.  Neymar has had a great tournament thus far and I only see his star shining brighter.  Look for another dazzling display by this guy and the team as a whole. Brazil 2 Italy 1.