'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
After brushing aside the group stage fixtures, the world champions will now set their eyes on the next two games as they try to win the only trophy that they have not bagged so far. Spain have not put a foot wrong in this tournament so far, conceding a single goal against Uruguay, which was an individual piece of brilliance from a dead ball situation.
They have hogged all the possession in the games they have played and have eventually dismantled the rigid defences with their patient penetration. The only area for concern is perhaps choosing a no. 9 but they have goals aplenty as Fernando Torres emerged as a potent option with his diving header against Nigeria, coming off the bench.
The semi-final will be a rematch of the Euro 2012 final in which Italy were defeated 4-0 by eventual champions Spain. Interestingly, the U-21 teams of both the nations competed in the final of the European Championships recently.
Italy’s campaign got off to a promising start against Mexico but the Azzurri were handed a tough fight by the Blue Samurai. They were fortunate to come out on the winning side of that match as they would eventually be outplayed by the Brazilian side in the last group fixture.
Italy have a whole host of injuries which have endangered their campaign as star striker Mario Balotelli has been ruled out of the match. Andrea Pirlo is likely to return to the midfield along with Daniele De Rossi, who served a suspension against Brazil after collecting two yellow cards.
Here is a list of five players who will make a difference to the eventual result of the match:
5. Emanuele Giaccherini
The Juventus player scored a stunning goal from a Mario Balotelli pass against Brazil after coming off the bench. He was a nuisance in that game as the usually solid Thiago Silva failed to close him down on many occasions. He was Italy’s greatest threat against Japan as well, as he worked hard to get the ball and made something of it whenever he got it.
With Balotelli ruled out of the match, a part of the midfield will have to take up some goal-scoring responsibility. He should be a part of Cesare Prandelli’s plans against Spain as his pace can give the Spanish defence some trouble.
4. Fernando Torres
The Spaniard scored a wonderful diving header against Nigeria coming off the bench. It must have been his first touch in the game but it was enough to make a difference as Spain capped the match in spite of Nigeria’s determined defence.
Roberto Soldado lost a vital opportunity of pushing Villa and Torres out of contention for the no. 9 spot but now Torres looks to be the favourite to start against Italy. The striker seems to have put his sorry form behind him and looks a rejuvenated player. He is the highest scorer in the tournament so far and another few good performances might help Spain as well as his club career.
3. Jordi Alba
The full-back scored two goals against Nigeria in yet another stellar display for La Roja. His pace on the wing makes him dangerous player in offense while he remains solid in defence. He has really flowered in the national side at a young age and will continue to be a long term fixture in this side.
His game adds an additional dimension to Spain’s tiki-taka football. He will have to make sure he focuses on his defensive duties against Italy, who boast a bit of pace on the wing. Apart from that, his ability to get goals always comes in handy.
2. Andrea Pirlo
Another Juventus player on the list, Pirlo has had a bitter-sweet tournament so far. He had to sit out of the game against Brazil due to an injury and was out of sorts against Japan. However, he had begun the tournament on a real high celebrating his century of appearances with a brilliant free-kick.
There is still some doubt regarding his participation for the match against Spain but he will make his best effort to make the playing XI. If he is unable to make the cut, Daniel De Rossi and Riccardo Montolivo will have to do his share of work but Italy’s chances in the match will dip considerably.
1. Andres Iniesta
The ever so reliable midfielder from Barcelona has put up an excellent show at the Confederations Cup as Spain look determined to win it. He dictates the pace of the game for Spain with his visionary passing.
His movement on and off the ball allows him to participate in every constructive move that Spain make. He will be pulling the strings against Italy and the Azzurri will have to disrupt his distribution if they intend to put up a competitive performance against the world champions.
