The 2013 Confederations will come to an end this Sunday, as the final of the competition will see Brazil and Spain battle it put for supremacy. Hosts Brazil will be the underdogs of the final, but with the Brazilian fans on their side, anything can happen. A win on Sunday for Spain could be their icing on the cake, after winning the World Cup and the last 2 Euros, they are looking to complete the set with their first ever Confederations Cup victory.
Spain got out of their group this summer with ease, winning all 3 of their games. Their toughest task was beating Uruguay, where they won 2-1, before thrashing Tahiti and overcoming win against Nigeria. Brazil qualified for this competition as they were the host country but South Americans have been great value for money this Summer Although pundits and fans a like have been suggesting that this Brazil side aren't as a good as they should be, many can't deny the fact they've been exciting due to the fluid attacking interchange between players like Neymar and Oscar. Brazil beat Japan and Mexico comfortably with the help of two wonder strikes from Neymar. In the last game, Brazil overcame Italy to top the group, again, with a cracking costless-kick from Neymar.
Both sides faced tough and stern opposition in the semi final, with Brazil facing South American rivals Uruguay and Spain overcoming Italy. Brazil were pushed all the way against Uruguay. Brazil took a first half lead after Forlan missed a penalty for his nation but Edison Cavani hit back for the Uruguayans at the start of the second half to level the game. Just as the game looked set to enter extra time, Paulinho headed home from a Neymar cross. Spain on the other hand looked liked they were being out done by the Italians. With the Italians playing a 3-5-2, it meant that it was near to impossible for Spain to play 'their' football. Neither side was able to find a goal in regulation time however, and after some great penalties, Spain finally won 7-6 in sudden death.
Brazil have been criticised for their poor displays so far in this tournament, and although I agree they haven't performed as well as they could, I do still find them quite enjoyable to look. They're quite bold while attacking, with Marcelo and Alves bombing on past the inside forwards in Neymar and Hulk. Brazil play quite a deep defensive line, and that's the thing that annoys me the most about this Brazil team. They play a deep line and play long direct passes. With players like Luiz and Marcelo in your defence, and players like Paulinho in your midfield, you shouldn't be trying to skip your midfield while in transition from defence to attack. Although it may be quite bold, I'm still sticking by my prediction of Brazil winning the 2014 World Cup. I believe that manager Felipe Scolari has drilled it into his side to play quite direct, a system which is quite foreign for most of the Brazilian players, I do know, that Felipe Scolari is capable of winning international tournament, so with that experience they could go all the way.
Spain on the other hand are hot favourites and rightfully so. After winning the last 2 European Championship as well as the 2010 World Cup. Their tika-taka football has gained them many plaudits as well as these great tournament win. In my opinion, Spain have tactically fully developed , and I do feel its the end of this Spanish era. The move by Del Bosque, putting Torres in the starting line up, in my opinion, shows that he needs to change his tactics in some way, playing a false 9 in this system clearly doesn't give enough penetration. Torres give you a focal point, and although he's not ideal, he'll give you more attacking presence than Fabregas playing in that role. With Alonso not playing this tournament, it's interesting to see how Spain have actually gone back to a more Barcelona like 4-3-3, than to the style Del Bosque usually plays. If Spain are to be successful next Summer, I think it's key to have Alonso in the squad.
Here's how both team are likely to line up:
Brazil - Cesar, Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Gustavo, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar, Fred.
Spain - Casillas, Arbeloa, Piqué, Ramos, Alba, Busquests, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Silva, Torres.