What we have learnt from the Confederations Cup

1. Neymar is not just a YouTube sensation.

There has been a lot of criticism that Neymar has failed to impress in the big
matches. However this tournament has shown why Neymar was worth the 57
million Euros Barcelona has signed him for. Full of tricks, Neymar has scored 4
stunning goals in this tournament and has been at the heart of all the attacking
moves that Brazil put together, earning him the best player of the tournament
award. If Brazil are going to do well at the WC next year they need Neymar to be at
his very best and he seems to be up for it.

2. Spain needs to inject fresh blood into their line up

Spain may still on top of the pile, but this Confederations Cup has suggested
otherwise. Xavi and Xabi Alonso the two key members of the team are well into their
30s and with someone like Javi Martinez (who was arguably Europes best Holding
Midfielder last season ) waiting in the wings, this is the right time for Del Bosque to
make some significant changes to the line up. Mata for Fabregas could be a change
that could make a difference to the Spanish side. Arbeloa has come into the team for
his attacking game but was given by a torrid time in the finals by Neymar. Martin
Montoya or Dani Carvajal could be brought into the line-up at his expense.

3. Balotelli has finally come of age

Until December, Super Mario was having one of the worst seasons of his career. A
dream move to AC Milan in December and Mario has just exploded. After singlehandedly drawing Milan into the Champions League Standings, Balotelli came into
the Confederations Cup full of confidence. Despite having a tough time in the game
against Mexico, Balotelli showed maturity by not reacting and replying in the best
possible way - by scoring that decisive goal. With Balotelli as the spearhead of their
attack and Pirlo still in sublime form, Italy are improving with each tournament.
4. Uruguay have the Deadliest Attack in World Football
The Cavani- Suarez- Forlan combination has driven Uruguay right to the top of the
football world. Oscar Tabarez seems to have finally found a combination to get the
best out of the three. With Forlan providing the experience, Cavani the power and
Suarez the trickery, if Tabarez is able to get the other members of the team to
support them, Uruguay will have a great chance at next years world cup.

5. Nigeria Deserve to be African Champions

After a decade of underachieving African countries, Nigeria played like a breath of
fresh air at this years tournament. Despite missing key players like Victor Moses,
Nigeria fought toe to toe with the better teams and gave them a run for their
money. With John Obi Mikel not being shackled with defensive responsibilities ( as
he is at Chelsea) and the team being built around him, the midfielder is finding a way
to drive this team forward. Looking at their performance here, Nigeria can certainly
become African Champions.