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Spain and Brazil had to sweat it out in the semi-finals but as predicted, the two giants have made it all the way to the Confederations Cup finals to set up a clash that the world will be watching. The atmosphere of protest that has surrounded the tournament, threatened to disrupt the dress-rehearsal to the World Cup but come Sunday, it will be successfully completed with its most high-profile clash.
World Champions Spain had an easy road to the semi-finals as they topped their group ahead of Uruguay but their attacking flair hit a heavy road-block against Italy who put up unexpected resistance. Not only did Italy defend in numbers, they created a number of chances in the game and the result could have easily been different. The wake-up call came at the right time for Spain and they will be looking to correct some mistakes against Brazil.
Brazil’s road to the final has been lit up by the wonder-kid that Neymar is turning out to be. His displays were critical in the group stage and he did not disappoint in the semi-finals either. Uruguay, Brazil’s neighbours and old rivals, gave them a scare in the semi-finals as they equalized through Edinson Cavani after Brazil’s opener. Paulinho headed home Neymar’s precise corner to take Brazil to their third consecutive Confederations Cup final. The final will be a huge test for Felipe Scolari’s men as they face the La Roja juggernaut that has been unbeaten for 29 competitive matches now.
Here is a list of five players who can tip the scales in their team’s favor come Sunday:
5. Fred
Brazil will look at the match that was played between Spain and Italy and realize how different it could have been had Italy had the services of in-form striker Mario Balotelli. They will take away one lesson from that observation, that they can’t afford to be wasteful in front of goal against a Spanish side that does not offer much in terms of chances. Fred has been on target in the last few matches and that is always good for a striker’s confidence. He has been effective for his team so far in the tournament despite of some vocal critics. He will be key at the head of Scolari’s formation.
4. Jordi Alba
The left-back was tormented by Italy as his defensive mistakes were exposed a multiple number of times. He has had a very good tournament apart from that match but things can turn really quickly in football. Italy exploited the wings with their pace as soon as they broke up the Spanish offense and Scolari would have taken a note of that. He will have to face a similar test at the Maracana and Brazil will be able to do it with greater intensity. He will have to be solid in defense primarily, once that is assured he can look to participate in the offense which he does pretty well.
3. Paulinho
The Selecao can thank him for their victory against South American rivals Uruguay. It was his lofted ball that set up the first goal, and he finished it off majestically with a towering header when it mattered the most. He was consistently creative in that Brazilian midfield when Oscar was blowing hot and cold. Spain will try to deprive him of the possession in the final and he will have to fight with that. It’s a huge opportunity to shine for the midfielder against the likes of Xavi and Iniesta.
2. Andres Iniesta
The Spanish midfield looked a little pale in the semi-final against Italy. The frustration was evident on coach Del Bosque’s face at halftime. They will have to pull out their top-game if they are defeat Brazil. However, they have many things going for them. The team has the experience of playing big finals, and Andres Iniesta has the experience of scoring big goals in those finals. The midfield maestro has been quietly brilliant in the tournament so far. He will try to stamp his authority over the game with his distribution and if he is allowed to do that Brazil will be deprived of a popular victory at the Maracana.
1. Neymar
He was tied down for a good part of the game against Uruguay but found enough to do to take Brazil to a victory. He delivered the corner that was headed home by Paulinho and he forced the pass to Fred which brought the first goal. It has been his tournament so far even though Spain have scored prolifically on the other side. He will be up against many of his future Barcelona team-mates but as of now he will be fighting only for national glory. Spain will come with a plan to tie him down and it will be interesting to see how he tackles with that pressure.
