Confederations Cup 2013: 5 players to watch out for as Brazil take on Mexico

Brazil got off to a fabulous start at the Confederations Cup, dispelling any doubts about their form. Felipe Scolari has been tinkering with his arrangement coming into this tournament but the Selecao look settled now. They will have an able opponent in Mexico who put in a brave performance against Italy but lost out. They will, realistically, need at least a draw in this game to keep themselves alive in the competition. The two teams have served up some huge games at the Confederations Cup, the most memorable of which was the 1999 final which saw Mexico prevail 4-3 against a stellar Brazil side. The El Tri will be trying to emulate that performance but given the personnel they have, such a situation seems highly unlikely.

Mexico failed to create enough in the midfield against Italy and they are only going to find the task tougher against Brazil. Brazil, on the other hand, had enough imagination in their lineup. Though Brazil were not flawless against Japan, they were certainly solid at the back, with Thiago Silva putting in yet another stellar performance. They were very mobile on the pitch with Neymar constantly running the channels and posing a threat. One would not be surprised if this one turned out to be a goal fest.

Here is a list of 5 players who will take the spotlight when the two teams clash in a key match that could see the Selecao book a semi-final berth.

5. Thiago Silva

With Brazil looking to put Mexico to the sword, they will flood forward in an attempt to dismantle the Mexico defense and in such a situation, to have the security and stability of Thiago Silva at the back is a genuine boon. The defender was a leader on the pitch against Japan as he choked the likes of Okazaki and Maeda out of the game. His strong positional sense, added to his aerial ability, makes him the top defender that he is. Brazil can be confident of keeping a few clean sheets in this competition if he repeats the performance he put in against Japan.

4. Javier Hernandez

The Manchester United striker scored his 33rd international goal in the game against Italy through a penalty. As encouraging a feat that was, it was little for his team but he himself was little at fault in the game. The midfield failed to create enough chances for him and he looked frustrated at the head of the formation. He can move all he want but if he does not have the ball at his feet enough, he can’t score goals. If he remains aloof on the pitch against Brazil, it will hurt Mexico.

3. Giovani Dos Santos

The midfielder put in a hard-working effort against Italy as he constantly posed a threat when on the ball. He came back to the side after a controversial affair involving his club Mallorca and looked the best player on the pitch for Mexico by a safe distance. He might get a little more space against Brazil but he will have to match the skill and pace of the Selecao. If they are to muster a point or register an unexpected upset in this game, he will have to play the most significant role for Mexico.

2. Oscar

The Chelsea midfielder has impressed everybody with his growth in the national colours. He combined with Neymar to produce some breathtaking football against Japan. It was very well-deserved that he made an assist for the last goal after putting such a thorough display on the pitch the entire game. He was not flustered by the occasion and looked the part. He seems to have grown into the shoes of the primary playmaker for Selecao and his vision is such that he can foresee the next three passes while ambling on the ball. Neymar, Oscar and Paulinho constitute the famous mould of Brazilian football in this side.

1. Neymar

The ex-Santos forward had been in the news for his glamorous Barcelona transfer but it remained to be seen if he could do it for Brazil on the big stage. He opened the scoring for Brazil with a stunning 3rd minute strike and announced himself on the big stage. While that may not be enough to convince his bitter critics, the rest of his performance was testament to the fact that he belongs. He was the dominant figure on the pitch for much of the second half. He will pose the most significant threat to El Tri with his goal scoring ability. His ability to manufacture something out of nothing is the mark of a big player. The player to watch out from Brazil, for the next game and for the tournament.