Buzzin Football Blog

South Africa 0-0 Iraq (Group A)

The 2009 Fifa Confederations cup kicked off Johannesburg on Sunday, the opening game featuring the hosts South Africa and Iraq. This was a lively and oddly exciting game, given that both teams were found very lacking in the final third of the pitch. The game had its chances and South Africa came closest when a goal bound shot from Digkacoi was accidentally blocked on the line by his own striker Parker.

On this evidence it seems unlikely that either of these two teams will progress past the group stages.

New Zealand 0-5 Spain (Group A)

New Zealand were given a tough lesson by the Euro champions Spain in the second game of the tournament, with Liverpool striker Fernando Torres scoring a hat trick within the first 17 minutes of the game. Fabregas added a fourth in the 24th minute to all but finish the game, but New Zealand managed to see out the remainder of the half without further damage.

David Villa side footed in the fifth goal early in the second half.  Spain start as favourites to win the title with Italy and Brazil the only real contenders. Spain are without Iniesta in this competition but his place is well filled by Fabregas, Liverpool’s Alonso is the replacement for Senna. I can’t see anyone here beating this Spanish team.

Brazil 4-3 Egypt (Group B)

Brazil had a dream start scoring within five minutes against Egypt, with Kaka juggling the ball over two defenders before finishing. Brazil looked in control and another goal fest seemed on the cards, but the next goal came out of the blue when Zidan headed home an equaliser for Egypt.

Brazil continued to have the better of the game and soon extended the lead through Fabiano and further still by Juan, before half time. But Egypt were finding some confidence themselves in the late stages of the first half with two excellent chances going astray.

The second half saw Egypt start the stronger team and pretty soon pulled a goal back through Shawky. Within a minute the Egyptians had drawn level with the goal of the game from Zidan.

In the dying minutes of the game a goal bound shot from Brazil was stopped on the line by Egypt’s Mohamady,who used his hand to stop the ball. The player was shown the red card before Kaka stepped up to convert the penalty and save his teams blushes.

I was drawn to Egypt as the game went on and their confidence grew. They did not deserve to lose this game. But Brazil are always a joy to watch even if it is only for a small part of the game these days.

Italy play the USA tonight in the remaining first round game in Group B.