Five reasons why Spain will defeat Brazil to win the Confederations Cup

Spain were a little lucky to get past Italy in the semi-finals but credit must be given where due as they held their nerve in the penalty shootout. Seven consecutive successful penalty conversions were required to defeat an inspired Italy side that was perhaps superior in the 120 minutes of the play that preceded the penalty shootout. However, all that will hardly matter come Sunday. Spain are in the finals and as world champions they will be the favorites to win that match. Del Bosque has tried to deflect all attention from his side but the truth is that almost every one of his players has been vocal about trying to win that one trophy that is missing from their cabinet.

Spain’s journey to the final had been pretty convincing until the semi-finals as they trounced all their group opponents without any difficulty, conceding just a single goal. Spain kept shuffling with their no. 9 position with Soldado, Torres and Villa, but goals kept coming from them and from the ever fertile midfield. Jordi Alba has been providing an extra dimension in offence for La Roja. There were a few doubts regarding the form of goalkeeper Iker Casillas ahead of the tournament, but they have been dispelled by the performances so far in the tournament. He made a few critical stops against Italy and might have to make some more against the Selecao. Their 29 match unbeaten record suggests that they will lift the Confederations Cup, ending Brazil’s ambitious dream.

Here is a list of five reasons why Spain will defeat Brazil to win the Confederations Cup:

5. Motivation

Spain will be motivated to win this competition at the Maracana due to multiple reasons. It is the only trophy that is missing from their bag full of laurels. They want to express intent against the rising doubts about a shift of power center ever since Bayern Munich stole the Champions LEague title from La Liga. The Spanish side more or less adopt that tiki-taka style of football that Barcelona formulate, whereas Brazil will test them with pace, counter-attacking and physicality. Therefore, it is more that a title they want to win, it is a style of football they are playing for and that has always been the case with Del Bosque.

4. Experience

Spain have the all important experience of playing the big FIFA finals, and with nearly the same set of players, whereas Brazil’s last cup final will take us four years back to this very event when they won it with a radically different team. Brazil’s side is inexperienced and they will have to play their best game against Spain. Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Pique, Ramos, Torres formed the nucleus of that team that triumphed at the world cup and they will be calling upon every inch of that experience to give their best on the day.

3. Midfield Superiority

Brazil’s midfield has not been consistent in this tournament in spite of what the results may show. Oscar was effective, creatively alive in the game against Japan but he fizzled out after. He was substituted in the game against Uruguay after remaining invisible for most part of the match. It is difficult to imagine how he can dictate the game against the stellar midfield of Spain. They will be deprived of possession and will have to refocus their energies into defence and work with the occasional counter attacking move. On the other hand, Spain have dominated possession in every game they have played. It is very difficult to see Brazil setting the pace of the final.

2. One man team?

Neymar has contributed a huge amount to Brazil’s performance in this tournament. Take him out of the game and you have a considerably depleted side. Spain will be planning to do exactly that. Del Bosque is said to be an admirer of the player and expressed his feelings ahead of the game. He said, “I really like Neymar. He is an artist and Spanish football needs players like him. We should not be closing our borders for the very best. We already have players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo here, who are the best in the world.” Praise from the opposition can only mean that they will do everything that is within their reach to hinder you in the game.

1. Match Winners

Spain have a number of players who can come up with the magic on the all important day. The most prominent of these is Andres Iniesta who is the genuine architect of this side and has been on song in this tournament. Iniesta dictates the pace of the game and his incisive passes can dismantle any opposition. Furthermore, he can get into goal-scoring positions as he proved in the world cup final. Xavi has been quietly good in this competition and his statistics always tell a story. Fernando Torres has rejuvenated his career at this tournament in some sense and getting th enod ahead of Soldado and Villa speaks for much. He will remember the Euro 2008 final where he scored the all important goal for Spain and hope he can do the same once again against Brazil.