If you take the negative aspects of the Confederations Cup (the League Cup of international football) away from the equation, then FIFA couldn't have asked for a more intriguing final today at International Stadium Yokohama.
You have France, the world champion, up against one of the two host nations -- Japan -- at the venue for the World Cup final next year. And a capacity crowd of 70,000 is virtually guaranteed.
Bearing in mind that France thrashed Japan 5-0 on its home turf at the end of March, there is likely to be an added element of tension to the match. This time around, Japan is the home team, while France has to adapt to a new stadium and face the hostility of the home fans as they seek revenge for the humiliation in Paris.