Eight teams will begin play in the soccer wagering Confederation Cup next weekend as the two week tournament begins in South Africa. Most of the eight teams are sending their best players so it should be an exciting tournament to watch. Brazil and Spain are sending their top stars while the United States and Italy also will field strong teams.

The toughest group is definitely the one that has Brazil, World Cup champion Italy, the United States and African champion Egypt. The other group looks like a walk for Spain as they have Asian champion Iraq, New Zealand and South Africa in that group. Visit SBG Global Sportsbook to wager on Confederation Cup Group Odds and Team Odds.

While much of the attention will be on the eight teams, some people will be watching the host country of South Africa to make sure they can put on a safe tournament. Since the 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa, many people want to make sure that South Africa is up to the challenge. The early signs are not encouraging as 30 percent of the tickets are unsold.

The favorite for the Soccer Wagering Confederation Cup looks to be Brazil with a number of stars including Kaka, Ronaldinho, Robinho and Alexandre Pato on the squad. "It’s always about results when it comes to the Brazilian national team," coach Dunga said. "The fans want results, we all know that."

If Brazil is not the leading candidate to win the Confederation Cup then it would have to be Spain. Many players from Barcelona’s team that won the Champions League will be headed to South Africa. "It’s been a great season both personally and professionally," said Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, "We are going to South Africa to win the tournament." Spain is led by Fernando Torres and David Villa upfront along with midfielders Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso.

Italy is also sending a strong squad to South Africa. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, defender Fabio Cannavaro, midfielder Andrea Pirlo and striker Luca are expected to be on the team. "We’re going to try to treat it with respect," he said. "But the team that wins the Confederations Cup never wins the World Cup. So I’m not sure I want to win it." Italy coach Lippi said.

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The United States looks overmatched in their grouping especially considering their recent play in World Cup Qualifiers. They lost to Costa Rica and just got by Honduras. "I think we all recognize that the spotlight will be much brighter next year. But in that regard, maybe it’s part of what makes it a great opportunity," head coach Bob Bradley said. "You’re playing against top teams, and yet you’re doing it at a time when maybe there’s a little less focus and it gives you a chance to size up a lot of things."

Tonight at 10 PM EST on ESPN, the top two teams in Group A of the round-robin CONCACAF finals will meet with Costa Rica hosting the United States. The top three teams in the group will qualify for the World Cup and so far both the United States and Costa Rica are in good shape. The match will be an interesting one considering the U.S. leads the group with seven points, one point better than Costa Rica. Even so, the wagering odds experts at SBG Global Sportsbook post Costa Rica as a -140 favorite with a total of 2.5 under.

The United States has never had any success at Costa Rica so the match promises to be difficult. The news that defender Frankie Hejduk is questionable and midfielder Maurice Edu is out definitely doesn’t help the United States. American coach Bob Bradley said that Hejduk may not be fit enough for Wednesday’s match in San Jose. One player that could be back in the lineup though is forward Jozy Altidore who had three goals in the qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago. "Jozy has been in training over these last few days," Bradley said. "Obviously, he has not played a competitive game in a while, but I think he’s done a good job."

The United States will be playing two matches within four days as after Wednesday’s qualifier at Costa Rica they play Honduras in another qualifier on Saturday in Chicago. The United States is also preparing for the eight-team soccer wagering Confederations Cup in South Africa. That should be a great competition considering the United States is in a group with defending world champion Italy, five-time world champion Brazil and Egypt.

In the last seven qualifiers at Costa Rica the United States has not won a match going 0-6-1. That could mean that the United States plays it very close to the vest on Wednesday, trying for a draw. The match on Saturday against Honduras could be where the United States focuses their attention. The United States also has five players that are carrying yellow cards in Altidore, Michael Bradley, Hejduk, Clint Dempsey and Oguchi Onyewu.

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Costa Rica is 18-1-2 at the Saprissa since 2000. They are led by playmaker Walter Centeno who can still pressure a defense. "I’ve been impressed with the way he’s played in recent qualifiers," said U.S. assistant John Hackworth, "I don’t think he’s come down [in form] at all. He’s still someone who can play at this level, and he’s certainly an important player for them."