All Things You Need To Know About the 2017 Confederations Cup

Football news - 2017 Confederations Cup rolling this weekend. This tournament may not have as much appeal as the World Cup, or produce a drama of Euro, but there are still plenty of reasons to follow it to the end.

Here, we'll explain everything you need to know about the 2017 Confederation Cup, with Russia hosting it.


What is the Confederation Cup and when did it start?

The competition brings together champions from six regional championships (UEFA, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, AFC, OFC), along with the defending World Cup champions and the host country of next year's World Cup, bringing the tournament participants into eight countries.

The opening tournament takes place in Saint Petersburg on Saturday, June 17, where the hosts of Russia and New Zealand will face each other, with the final being held on July 2.

Who will compete?

Group A consists of Russian hosts, Oceania champions New Zealand, European champions Portugal and CONCACAF champions Mexico.

Group B includes the Cameroonian African champions, Copa America Chile champions, World Cup winners Germany and AFC Asian Cup champion Australia. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.


Where is the tournament being held?

Since 2005 this tournament has been a rehearsal for the World Cup, with the World Cup host hosting the Confederations Cup a year before the start of the event.

Four years ago there was an unfortunate incident in Brazil as residents protested en masse of this tournament and the World Cup tournament, which was supposedly guiding exorbitant fees that were inconsistent with the country's social and economic conditions.

In Russia, it is unlikely that such a thing will happen, but it will be interesting to see if the Russian public will be present in large numbers at match venues such as in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan and Sochi.


Who are the players to watch out for?

Germany coach Joachim Low has made headlines ahead of the tournament, after he left players like Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller in this tournament, and opted for a more experimental squad. Leroy Sane has been in good shape lately, and will be very enthusiastic to give an impression on the international stage, while young talents like Timo Werner, Julian Brandt and Niklas Sule are ready to get a chance to shine.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be leading an experienced Portuguese squad, but Manchester City's new player, Bernardo Silva, can be an interesting player after he performed brilliantly with Monaco throughout the last season.

Chile also brought in two of their stars, Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez and Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal, while Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo will hope to rediscover his best performance as captain of the national team.

Mexico, with experienced Rafael Marquez and Javier Hernandez leading the front line of his team, could be a dark horse


Who's his favorite?

Despite leaving many of their star players, Germany remains a favorite to win this tournament. With so many peripheral players who want to prove their quality for a place at the World Cup next year, Germany is likely to be a major threat in Russia.

Portugal, along with Ronaldo also have a big chance to become king in this tournament, especially the captain was in a very good condition after winning the Champions League title with Real Madrid. Chile are in the next ranks as the team with a chance to win the tournament, while New Zealand is the least favored team.