The Brazil vs Spain Confederations Cup Final will be held this Sunday, June 30, 2013 (3:00 PM Pacific) at the historic Estadio Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. Both teams won all of their group matches, and were huge favorites going into their respective semifinal clashes. However, Italy and Uruguay turned out to provide much tough resistance than expected, providing a couple of spectacular semifinal encounters. The favorites won however, and the viewers are rewarded with the final everyone had hoped for when the Confederations Cup 2013 started: Brazil vs Spain.
Brazil had swept away Japan, Mexico and Italy on its way to the semifinals. Uruguay appeared to be a somewhat easy opponent; Uruguay had failed to impress in the group stage, and its recent struggles in World Cup qualifying made it appear even weaker. Nonetheless, the Uruguayans showed up with the garra Charrua, and played a smart, defensive game that appeared to force the game into extra time. It was only due to an 86th minute header by Paulinho that the game was decided in favor of the Brazilians, 2-1.
Uruguay demonstrated that a team that reduced spaces for Brazil could effective control their offensive flow. Similarly, Italy’s strategy against Spain in the semifinal consisted of reducing Spain’s attacking space, and thus halting their attacks. This proved to be an effective tactic, as the Italians were able to keep the powerful Furia Roja, scoreless for 120 minutes.
After two hours of scoreless soccer, Spain and Italy were forced to the penalty spot to decide who would go on to the Confederations Cup 2013 Final. Spain ended up winning in a tense 7-6 shootout, but the Italians proved what type of strategy must be used against the Spaniards.
Brazil vs Spain Prediction
The ‘verde-amarelha’ is ready for their 3rd straight Confederations championship. In front they will have the best team worldwide of the past 6 years, who is used to playing difficult finals. Sunday’s match will be at the glorious Maracana stadium, where Brazil has lost one significant final; the 1950 World Cup against Uruguay. Yes that was many many years ago, but the Maracanazo still lingers in everyone’s minds.
Spain will play the style they are used to; keep possession of the ball. They have the best midfield, however, the center forwards still create some doubt and that may be the difference against Brazil. The Brazil vs Spain Confederations Cup Final will not be a remake of the Maracanazo, and Brazil will win their first major trophy at home; 2-1 victory for the ‘scatch du oro’.
Brazil vs Spain Prediction
The Brazil vs Spain Confederations Cup Final will be televised this Sunday, June 30, 2013 on ESPN and Univision at 3:00 PM Pacific.
