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Opinion
Alfredo RelañoChile and Germany bring proceedings to a close

Chile and Germany bring proceedings to a close

I was initially sceptical but as time has passed, now have a more positive view on the Confederations Cup as a competition. The tournament was the idea of the Saudis and created as a tribute to King Fahd with the first competition staged in 1992, Sepp Blatter felt the idea could be transformed into a wider reaching tournament and in turn help line the FIFA coffers. The format and competition evolved into the tournament we have today and for many it's seen as a trial run staged a year before a World Cup in the host nation. On many levels it serves a purpose on testing infrastructure, working systems and much can be picked and rectified by the host nation twelve months ahead of the main event.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) receives an official match ball for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia,
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Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) receives an official match ball for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia,POOLREUTERS

Confederations last stand?

There is speculation that this may be the last time the Confederations Cup is staged with the next World Cup (Qatar 2022) set to be played in winter. FIFA have already worked to amend domestic leagues schedules and to then to request a 2021 repeat to accommodate a Confederations Cup is unlikely. What Infantino is considering as an alternative, is that Qatar host a Club World Cup with a higher number of participants. Such an event wouldn't impact greatly on the running and schedule of European leagues just on the participating sides and we're already familiar with the December event traditionally staged in Japan since the days of the Intercontinental Cup.

A construction with the logo of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in front of the Spartak Stadium in Moscow,
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A construction with the logo of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in front of the Spartak Stadium in Moscow,SERGEI ILNITSKYEFE

Chile vs. Germany

Whether this is the last Confederations final or not, today's game is certainly interesting and I'm an admirer of this Chilean side. They've been involved in so many recent finals that one can see they're a battle hardened team with the likes of Bravo, Beausejour, Medel, Vidal, Aránguiz, Vargas, Alexis etc. all experienced players from the recent two Copa America finals. They've also made light work of Spain back in Brazil 2014. They face a Germany side full of new faces with Low using the competition as a bedding ground for fresh talent. They'll also be buoyed by the U-21 side claiming the European championship crown on Friday. Both German teams I feel are inspired by the Spanish game but with a defined German trademark. An intriguing final with two very different teams awaits in Saint Petersburg tonight.