Futboooll : New Zealand vs Spain

This is the second game in Group A for the Fifa Confederation Cup between New Zealand and Spain. The game will be staged in during the evening at the city of Rustenburg. Both teams will be playing their first game in South Africa where Spain is favorites to beat the Kiwis. The city’s stadium Royal Bafokeng is in the North of South Africa and can hold up to 42,000 seats. It will be one of the stadiums that will host the World Cup next year.

Anyone looking at the Spanish squad list would be in for a good tournament. The UEFA Euro 2008 winner will compete for the first time in the Fifa Confederation Cup. Coach Vicent Del Bosque has many household names to choose from, naming David Villa and Fernando Torres will certainly do damage on the opposition. The midfield would be comprised of the skillful Xavi, Fabregas and Xabi Alonso. The defense will be marshaled by the both Sergio Ramos and Carlos Puyol. They are favorites to win the Fifa Confederation Cup and that could mark their continuation of winning major titles.

New Zealand enters the Fifa Confederation Cup by winning the OFC Nation Cup 2007/2008. This will be their third time representing the Oceania in this competition. They have done well under the New Zealand’s Coach Ricki Herbet. He has been experimenting with his formations running up to the game against Spain on Sunday. Prior to the game against Spain, New Zealand lost 4-3 in a friendly match against the World Cup winner Italy. Herbet put out an offensive attacking formation with three attackers up front and they took the lead 3 times during the game against the Italians. This has given confidence to the All Whites squad which Herbert needs before taking on the European Champions. Key player to watch in the All Whites squad is Oceania Footballer of the Year Shane Smeltz.

Spain has brought their armada to South Africa and they will be all gun blazing when they get on the field to play New Zealand. The All Whites has nothing to be afraid or lose against the Spanish but they will have to defend resilient if they are to think about qualifying to the semifinals. The Spanish squad looks like continuing their dominance in the international stages and mybet is offering 1.06 for Spain to win.