The Confederations Cup Kicks Off
Lin no longer had time to worry about the transfer market. The 2013 Confederations Cup was about to start. Lin asked Pere to keep an eye on the transfer market while he focused on the upcoming tournament.
The Confederations Cup was held in Brazil, South America, as a prelude to the 2014 World Cup. As the reigning World Cup champions, Spain was one of the most watched teams. Alongside them, the defending Confederations Cup champions and hosts, Brazil, also attracted a lot of attention.
For Spain, this Confederations Cup was a crucial test. With the 2010 World Cup winning squad aging, Spain faced the challenge of transitioning to a new generation. To ensure a smooth transition and aim for success in the next World Cup, Del Bosque aimed to refine the team's tactical system and solidify the core and main framework for the upcoming World Cup.
Significant adjustments required testing in actual matches to evaluate the team's combat effectiveness. Therefore, he saw the Confederations Cup as an excellent opportunity to train. He planned to use the champions from various continents to test the team's quality, especially the young players. Delaying the evaluation until the World Cup could lead to regret.
However, with Lin in the lineup, Del Bosque wasn't too worried.
"Lin, you're finally here!"
Spain's training camp had started some time ago, but Lin, having just finished the German Cup final, was given extra rest. During his absence, Del Bosque felt uneasy, but seeing Lin finally arrive, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The veteran coach warmly embraced Lin, then looked
### Chapter 149: The Confederations Cup Kicks Off, Five-Star Brazil's Provocation
Lin no longer had time to worry about the transfer market. The 2013 Confederations Cup was about to start. Lin asked Pere to keep an eye on the transfer market while he focused on the upcoming tournament.
The Confederations Cup was held in Brazil, South America, as a prelude to the 2014 World Cup. As the reigning World Cup champions, Spain was one of the most watched teams. Alongside them, the defending Confederations Cup champions and hosts, Brazil, also attracted a lot of attention.
For Spain, this Confederations Cup was a crucial test. With the 2010 World Cup-winning squad aging, Spain faced the challenge of transitioning to a new generation. To ensure a smooth transition and aim for success in the next World Cup, Del Bosque aimed to refine the team's tactical system and solidify the core and main framework for the upcoming World Cup.
Significant adjustments required testing in actual matches to evaluate the team's combat effectiveness. Therefore, he saw the Confederations Cup as an excellent opportunity to train. He planned to use the champions from various continents to test the team's quality, especially the young players. Delaying the evaluation until the World Cup could lead to regret.
However, with Lin in the lineup, Del Bosque wasn't too worried.
"Lin, you're finally here!"
Spain's training camp had started some time ago, but Lin, having just finished the German Cup final, was given extra rest. During his absence, Del Bosque felt uneasy, but seeing Lin finally arrive, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The veteran coach warmly embraced Lin, then looked him up and down, nodding in approval. "Not bad, you've bulked up quite a bit!"
"The key is he's not injured!" added Coach Tony.
"Yes, staying injury-free is crucial," agreed Del Bosque. He had always worried about Lin getting injured in the league. Lin was indispensable for the team. If he got injured, Spain's entire attacking system would need to be rebuilt.
"Let's go, say hello to your teammates," said Coach Tony, patting Lin on the shoulder as he led him to the training ground.
On the training ground, the Spanish national team players who had already gathered were training in an orderly manner. Among them, Lin saw many new faces, like Real Madrid's new star Isco and Chelsea's young player Azpilicueta.
After greeting his old teammates, Lin walked over to the new additions and extended his hand. "I'm Lin. It's great to have you join the team and fight alongside us. Here, we only have one identity, that of national team players. Leave all club rivalries behind."
Isco and Azpilicueta exchanged glances. The person in front of them was younger than they were, yet he spoke like an older brother. However, they weren't fools. Seeing Lin chatting and laughing with the team's veterans, they could sense his status in the team.
"Hello, Lin, I'm Isco. Please take care of me," said Isco.
"Hello, I'm Azpilicueta," added Azpilicueta.
Nearby, Morata chimed in, "Let me tell you, don't underestimate Lin because of his age. He's the top new talent of the post-'85 generation, the team's tactical core, future captain, leader of Spain, and defender of our dynasty..."
"So, know who to stick with!"
Isco, having just won the Golden Boy award, initially wasn't very impressed with Lin. But hearing Morata list all these titles, he was stunned.
Is he really that good? To think he is the team's future tactical core?
Realizing that Lin was already representing Spain on the international stage while he was just being called up now, Isco immediately changed his attitude.
"We understand. We'll follow Lin from now on!"
Both players quickly showed their loyalty to Lin. Lin couldn't help but smile wryly. Morata sure knows how to hype things up. I wouldn't say these things myself.
The Spanish squad for the 2013 Confederations Cup lacked a few familiar faces. Xabi Alonso, for instance, was out with a severe injury from club play and couldn't join the team. Alonso and Martínez were vital for Spain's defense, and his absence significantly impacted the midfield's toughness.
However, the team's overall structure remained stable.
Spain's squad for the 2013 Confederations Cup was as follows:
Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Valdés (Barcelona), De Gea (Manchester United);
Defenders: Monreal (Arsenal), Alba (Barcelona), Piqué (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Arbeloa (Real Madrid);
Midfielders: Iniesta (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Mata (Chelsea), David Silva (Manchester City), Fàbregas (Barcelona), Isco (Real Madrid), Martínez (Bayern Munich);
Forwards: Pedro (Barcelona), Villa (Barcelona), Torres (Chelsea), Morata (Real Madrid), Lin (Barcelona).
With five Real Madrid players and ten from Barcelona, it was clear that the Barcelona faction dominated the Spanish national team. However, Lin's contract with Barcelona was nearing its end, so considering him a free agent wasn't out of place. Moreover, with Neymar joining Barcelona, Villa had lost his starting spot and was looking to transfer. This reduced the Barcelona faction to eight, narrowing their advantage over Real Madrid.
---
Two days later, the Confederations Cup draw took place. Spain was drawn into Group B. Their group included familiar warm-up opponents Uruguay, African champions Nigeria, and Oceania champions Tahiti.
Apart from Uruguay, who could pose a threat, the other two teams were almost guaranteed points, especially Tahiti. Their key players were mostly semi-professionals or amateurs, not even professional athletes. Spain didn't need to field their main squad to beat them, as even the substitutes could easily secure a win.
In contrast, Group A wasn't as lucky. Hosts Brazil were drawn against European runners-up Italy, CONCACAF champions Mexico, and Asian champions Japan.
Italy's strength was well-known, with their chain defense causing headaches for many. Mexico, ranked 17th in the world, was also formidable. Even Japan, the weakest team, wasn't an easy opponent. They were regular World Cup participants and often advanced to the knockout stages.
After the draw, fans began to discuss the results.
"Group A looks tough!"
"The hosts got a bad draw!"
"Yes, all three opponents are strong. They have to go all out in every match."
"Maybe that's a good thing. If Brazil can hit their stride early in the group stage, they might shock a slow-starting Spain in the knockouts."
"Shock? How can you underestimate Brazil?"
"Exactly, Brazil has never been weak. Beating Spain would be expected."
"I think Brazil will win the Confederations Cup!"
With five World Cup titles, Brazil was historically the most successful team and produced many star players, making them popular worldwide. However, Spain, having won two European Championships and a World Cup consecutively, was also highly popular.
So, there were immediate counterarguments:
"Really? How can Brazil compete with Spain? Their team is in transition with many players who haven't played in the top European leagues."
Among Brazil's 23 players for the Confederations Cup, 12 were not from the top five leagues. Of the six forwards, only Neymar had just transferred to Barcelona; the rest were not in the top five leagues.
Though the Brazilian league was strong in South America, it still lagged behind Europe's top leagues. Otherwise, why would so many top Brazilian players choose to play in Europe? Europe offered higher-level leagues and the chance to play in more competitive tournaments like the Champions League.
Facing a Brazilian squad filled with lesser-known players, ordinary fans couldn't believe they could match Spain, the reigning European and world champions.
"Right, Spain's squad is far superior. Their team value is more than double Brazil's!"
"Heh, as if the team with the highest value always wins. If that were the case, Barca and Real Madrid would just take turns winning the Champions League!"
Fans on both sides couldn't convince each other, and the online debate soon spilled into the real world. During an interview, Brazil's star player Neymar confidently declared:
"Yes, Brazil's goal in this Confederations Cup is to win the championship. We want to lift the trophy at home, and no one can stop us!"
Though he didn't name Spain, his statement clearly targeted them.
"Heh, such big talk. Hope he doesn't bite his tongue!"
"Who's Neymar? I only know Lin!"
"Never heard of him!"
"Never heard of him +1!"
"Never heard of him +2!"
---
Spanish fans scoffed at Neymar's declaration. How could a newcomer to the top leagues, unproven in Europe, boast like that? Lin, who just broke the Bundesliga scoring record, wasn't this arrogant. Who did Neymar think he was?
Reporters, sensing the public's interest, quickly sought to interview Lin after speaking with Neymar. For the media, creating controversy and stirring up conflict was essential for big news, which helped them get promotions and raises.
However, Lin didn't take the bait. Instead, he praised Brazil:
"Brazil is a team with a rich history, having won five World Cups. They are very strong, and my teammates and I will not underestimate them."
"Neymar? He's a talented and gifted player. I look forward to competing with him on such a stage."
The journalists and surrounding fans were stunned.
Why isn't he playing by the usual rules? Shouldn't he be showing his determination to win and belittling his opponent?
Why is he praising them instead?
Lin wasn't being overly kind or underestimating his own team. After praising his opponents, he added:
"However, Brazil and we are not
in the same group. We can only meet in the knockout stages. But it seems they are confident about advancing. Do they look down on their group opponents?"
Following Lin's interview, the other teams in Group A were indeed provoked.
Even Spain, the World Cup champions, didn't arrogantly claim they would advance from their group. What made Brazil so confident?
In the opening match, Japan, fired up, nearly toppled the hosts. Playing a technical style, Japan's players might not have the best physical attributes but had excellent ball control. They created several dangerous chances against Brazil's goal.
Although Brazil ultimately won 2-1 with goals from Neymar and Paulinho, it wasn't an easy victory. Japan fought hard until the last minute, exhausting Brazil's players and disrupting Coach Scolari's rotation plans.
However, Brazil's biggest problem wasn't the tough match but their schedule: first Japan, then Mexico, and finally Italy.
Brazil's plan was to use the matches against Japan and Mexico as warm-ups and hit peak form against the strongest team, Italy. This would ideally set them up for the knockout stages, where they wouldn't fear any opponent.
But with Group A teams now highly motivated, Brazil's original plan seemed to backfire.