Brazil and Spain battled through the semi finals with flying colours to reach the Finale of the 2013 Confederations Cup which takes place tonight at Rio de Janeiro, both teams remaining undefeated throughout the group stages.
Semi Finals was kicked-off by Brazil who took on Uruguay at Belo Horizonte in which they overcame Uruguay with a late 86th minute header from Paulinho to give his side a 2-1 victory over La Celeste. Fred opened the scoring approximately four minutes before the half time interval as Diego Forlan missed a penalty. Edinson Cavani levelled the scoring early in the second half before Paulinho struck a late header ensuring Brazil to take centre stage in Maracanã.
That was soon to be followed by another great spectacle as revenge seeking Italy, battled hard and well at Fortaleza. Displaying great positioning on and off the ball Italy worked hard as they forced Spanish captain Casillas to come to the rescue for Spain on numerous occasions, his opposing number Buffon demonstrate why he is too one of the finest goalkeepers to play the game. Spain held Italy to penalties as Leonardo Benucci was the man to blunder an exceptional display of immaculate penalty taking by both side to secure Spain a win in the semi-final phase of the tournament proceeding to the final against home side Brazil.
Spain coach Vincent Del Bosque will most likely persist with the same defence going into the final, but may make alterations further up the field as the likes of Jesus Navas provides great attacking option, displaying both speed and agility in the semi’s which is most likely to see him feature against Brazil.
Both sides possess a powerful defensive backline with Brazil occupying Barcelona right back Dani Alves and Real Madrid left back Marcelo on either side, with Paris St Germain’s Thiago Silva and Chelsea’s David Luis in central defence. Whereby Spain are to be bolstering with Jordi Alba on the left flank, Alvaro Arbeloa providing sturdy support on the right and with Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique in central defence, both teams have providing strong foundations.
Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets are set to be amongst the starting eleven for Spain whereby Cesc, Navas, Mata, Torres, Soldado and Pedro are the main attacking options for the side. Brazil look to present the same starting eleven which featured in the semi-finals against Uruguay.
A victory for Scolari’s side against the World Champions will exhibit the side’s competence and to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A victory for Brazil would also see them regaining their Confederation Cup title in which they won defeating USA at South Africa, Johannesburg in 2009.
Brazillian striker Neymar who will be playing his football in Europe in the upcoming season after joining Spanish champions Fc Barcelona believes that the Spanish are favourites to win the title going into the tie as the 21-year old said “They are the best side in the world and are favourites’’.
Both teams have been outstanding in this year’s Confederations Cup, with Brazil winning all four of their games and Spain winning three and closely edging out Italy.
Spanish players looking to close their trophy collection as they were knocked out by USA in 2009 before winning the 2010 World cup and regaining their European title earlier this year.
Spain and Barcelona Midfielder Andres Iniesta said “This is a moment to close a circle of tournaments with the national team.”
The 29-year old went on to say that “Brazil are favourites because they are playing at home and I don’t know how many thousand people will be behind them,”.
This is bound to be a well contested final in which we see an outstanding Spanish side compete with a fired up Brazilian side in which are aiming not to fall short to please their nation. This will be a close encounter but who will victorious and edge through to be crowned champions?
ayatjey 