History of Confed Cup

The first tournament, then known as the King Fahd Cup, was contested between just four teams in two semi-finals and a final. The Argentinian team, unbeaten for 20 games and featuring players such as Caniggia, Goycochea and Batistuta, had no problems with a weak line-up rounded off by the USA and the Ivory Coast. The hosts prevailed in the first semi-final against the USA, while Argentina crushed the Ivory Coast 4-0 in the second game. The Saudis were no match for the South Americans in the final, going down 3-1.

Once again, the Saudis were the hosts of the King Fahd Cup. This time, the field had increased to six nations. The hosts and Argentina were joined by Mexico representing North America, Nigeria from Africa and Japan from Asia. Denmark became the first European team to take part in the competition.

Due to the increase in numbers, there was a change of format in the form of two groups. Reigning European Champions Denmark, at that time boasting the Laudrup brothers, were victors in Group A, while Argentina ran away with Group B. The final once again showed Denmark's class, as they blew away the star-studded South Americans 2-0 with goals from Michael Laudrup and Peter Rasmussen.

Two years later, the tournament was held under the banner of the FIFA Confederations Cup for the first time. Riyadh was the setting once again, but now the number of teams had increased to eight. Australia represented the Oceania confederation for the first time and reigning World Champions Brazil were in town, boasting stars such as Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Denilson (player of the tournament), Ronaldo and Romario.

The Brazilians were unstoppable, beating Saudi Arabia, Mexico and the Czech Republic before obliterating Australia 6-0 in the final, with Ronaldo and Romario grabbing a hat-trick each. Romario ended up the tournament's top scorer with seven goals.

In a packed out final in the Aztec Stadium, a capacity crowd saw their home side, who had knocked out their rivals the USA in the semi-finals, make full use of home soil, triumphing 4-3 against Brazil in a dramatic match.

The surprise package of the tournament were Saudi Arabia, who grabbed the fourth spot.

Reigning World and European Champions France came to Asia and proved themselves worthy of their two titles. After replicating their 1998 Final victory over Brazil in the semi-final, a French side without Fabien Barthez or Zinedine Zidane were victorious in a disappointing final, beating co-hosts Japan 1-0.

Spurred on by the home fans, France refused to drop a single point in the 2003 tournament and were deserved victors. A golden goal in the final by Thierry Henry against Cameroon, who had stunned Brazil in the semi-final, was enough to win them the competition.

However, the atmosphere of the final will live long in the memory. As the players entered onto the pitch, they carried a giant picture of Marc Vivien-Foe, who collapsed on the pitch during the semi-final against Colombia and later died.