1997 FIFA Confederations Cup
The FIFA Confederations Cup 1997 ( English FIFA Confederations Cup 1997) was the first sending a intercontinental football competition for national teams under this name and care of FIFA and after the two precursor Turniern 1992 and 1995, the third overall and took place from the 12th to the December 21 also held for the third time in a row in Saudi Arabia. The field was increased to eight teams. Addition to the host and the continental football champions and the reigning World Champion was authorized to start. Despite the abandonment of European champions Germany and the participation of European vice-champion Czech Republic all six football continents were represented for the first time in this tournament.
World and South American champions Brazil won the tournament in the final 6-0 against Oceania champions Australia clearly.
Best scorer of the tournament was the Brazilian Romário with seven gates.
- 4.1 Semi-finals
- 4.2 3rd place match
- 4.3 final
Venue
All matches of the competition took place in Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, held within the framework of double events at King Fahd Stadium.
Participant
Participants in the FIFA Confederations Cup 1997, all the winners of the continental federation competitions and the reigning world champion and the host. were qualified
- Saudi Arabia - Host
- Brazil - World Cup 1994 ( Brazil was also the winner of the Copa América 1997)
- Czech Republic - Second UEFA EURO 1996 ( European champion Germany opted not to participate )
- Uruguay - winner of the Copa América 1995
- Mexico - winner of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 1996
- South Africa - winner of the African Cup of Nations 1996
- United Arab Emirates - second in the AFC Asian Cup 1996 ( winner Saudi Arabia was already qualified as hosts )
- Australia - winner of the OFC Nations Cup 1996
Preliminary round
Group A
Group B
Final round
Semifinal
3rd Place Match
Final
The finale took place in the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh before 65,000 spectators. Ronaldo and Romario scored three goals for the Brazilian national football team coach Mário Zagallo. Australia had nothing to oppose.
Top scorers
Awards
The Golden Ball "Golden Ball" for the best player of the tournament went to the Brazilian Denílson, the "Silver Ball" to his compatriot Romario and the " Bronze Ball" to the Czechs Vladimír Šmicer.
The Golden Shoe " Golden Boot " for the top scorers received with Romário for its seven tournament goals also a Brazilian, the "Silver Shoe " went to the Czech Vladimír Šmicer and the " Bronze Shoe" with Ronaldo again to a Brazilian.
FIFA Fair Play Trophy The Fair Play Award for athletic proper appearance on and off the turf went simultaneously to the South African national football team.