Football: Brazil hosts Confederations draw

SAO PAULO: Fifa President Sepp Blatter underlined the importance of the eight-team Confederations Cup to be held in June, saying that the tournament was more than just a dress rehearsal for the 2014 World Cup. “This is really a rendezvous of world champions,” said Blatter. “High quality is here — we have 12 World Cup stars,” he added in reference to five world titles for Brazil, four for Italy, two for Uruguay and one for Spain. Asian champions Japan, CONCACAF champions Mexico, and Oceania surprise package Tahiti are also invited. The winners of January’s African Nations Cup will likewise compete.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2012.