WHO WINS 2013 FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP?
Spain have never won the Confederations Cup (this is their
second appearance in the tournament), but they have won everything else lately. World Cup winners in 2010 and European champions in 2008 and 2012, Spain are currently unrivaled as the best international side in the world.
With such historic success of late, they also rank as one of the best international teams of all time. Will they add another title to their haul this Sunday, or will Brazil claim another Confederations crown?
Road to final
As hosts, Brazil were drawn into Group A with Japan, Mexico and Italy. Brazil won all three group matches to win Group A with nine points.
Brazil beat Japan 3-0 in the opener, followed by a 2-0 victory over Mexico. They closed out the group stage with a 4-2 win over group runners-up Italy.
On Wednesday, Brazil defeated Uruguay 2-1 in the semifinals, with Paulinho heading in the late winner.
Neymar and Fred have scored three goals apiece to lead Brazil, while Jo and Paulinho have scored twice each.
Spain won Group B with a 100 per cent record against Uruguay (2-1), Tahiti (10-0) and Nigeria (3-0).
Spain then outlasted Italy in the semifinals, winning a penalty shootout 7-6 after the match had finished scoreless following 90 minutes of regular time and 30 more of extra time. Jesus Navas converted the decisive penalty.
Fernando Torres scored four goals in the rout of Tahiti and has recorded five in the tournament so far. David Villa scored a hat-trick in the match. David Silva and Jordi Alba have scored two goals each at the tournament.
Tactics
Spain
Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque’s team relies on a patient passing game to break down opponents. Spain regularly dominate possession in their 4-3-3 formation and win the ball back quickly upon losing it.
At Euro 2012 Del Bosque experimented with a lineup that featured no true strikers. At this tournament, however, he has regularly used a striker. Roberto Soldado started the opener against Uruguay and the group finale against Nigeria, while Torres started against Tahiti and Italy.
Another tactical development to watch out for involves Spain’s midfield. Injury ruled midfielder Xabi Alonso out of the tournament, meaning Del Bosque had to shuffle his formation.
Italy managed to disrupt Spain’s rhythm in the semifinals, however, and Brazil could take a cue from the Azzurri’s strategy.
Brazil
Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the tournament, with Fred at the top of the formation and budding superstar Neymar on the left side of the attacking midfield.
In the semifinals, Uruguay stunted Brazil’s attack with high pressing, forcing mistakes and negative passes. But Uruguay’s admirable defending was undone in the first half by a long ball and a bit of skill from Neymar, who set up Fred for the opener. In the second half, Neymar’s corner led to Paulinho’s headed winner.
Against Del Bosque and Spain’s patient passing game in the final, Brazil likely will need another strong tactical performance from Scolari.
HEAD TO HEAD
| Games won: | 2 |
| Games drawn: | 2 |
| Games lost: | 4 |
| Date | Match | Result | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 May 1934 | Spain v Brazil | W | 3-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 13 Jul 1950 | Brazil v Spain | L | 6-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 06 Jun 1962 | Brazil v Spain | L | 2-1 | FIFA World Cup |
| 07 Jun 1978 | Brazil v Spain | D | 0-0 | FIFA World Cup |
| 08 Jul 1981 | Brazil v Spain | L | 1-0 | International |
| 01 Jun 1986 | Brazil v Spain | L | 1-0 | FIFA World Cup |
| 12 Sep 1990 | Spain v Brazil | W | 3-0 | International |
| 13 Nov 1999 | Spain v Brazil | D | 0-0 | International |
| 30 Jun 2013 | Brazil v Spain | FIFA Confederations Cup |
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