FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Five players to watch out for as Brazil meet Japan

Inspite of the awkward status that the Confederation Cup holds in the list of FIFA events, one can expect the world to tune in when quality teams such as Spain, Italy, Uruguay and Brazil take the stage. It definitely helps the cause that there will be quality all around when we witness the first encounter of the Confederations Cup 2013 at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha. The tournament will have a fitting opener when Brazil and Japan meet each other as both the teams have already qualified for the 2014 World Cup.

Both the teams set up in a similar fashion and come into the tournament on the back of a morale-boosting victory. Brazil, as defending champions, will definitely hold the upper hand, but Japan do have the ability in their ranks to spring up a rude surprise as 200 million Brazil fans watch on.

Whereas Brazil have an entirely new-look squad with Julio Cesar and Dani Alves being the only two players who were part of the successful Confederations Cup campaign in 2009, Japan retain a little more experience. Here is a look at five players who can influence the result of the match:

5. David Luiz

The Chelsea center-back/defensive midfielder has improved a great deal in the last year. His ability to initiate attacks from the back fits in perfectly with Felipe Scolari’s preferred alignment of the team. We are also acquainted with his ability to produce a magic moment with his left foot; that odd long range shot that can catch the goalkeeper unawares. His defensive abilities have been criticized at Chelsea, but he has been remarkably consistent with the national side. Expect him to play an important role in the game.

4. Shinji Kagawa

The Manchester United forward has been a key element in Japan’s game. His technique leaves almost nothing to be desired; he has a deft touch, the requisite vision and takes special pleasure in long-range efforts. He is usually involved in the slick passing movements and makes the box-to-box movement more fluid. He has a tendency to get into those critical goal-scoring positions. The chances are not likely to come thick and fast against the brilliance of Brazil, so he will have to make the most of what he gets.

3. Keisuke Honda

The Blue Samurais would depend heavily on the creativity and experience of Keisuke Honda when they play the most crucial game of their group. Honda starred in Japan’s World Cup campaign in 2010 and he would want to repeat that performance next year at Brazil. His dead ball skills will come in handy as Brazil are unlikely to give Japan the freedom on the ball that they usually experience against their Asian opponents. The level of competitiveness will be much higher and it will be interesting to see if Honda can negotiate his way around the tackling midfielders of Brazil.

2. Oscar

The diminutive midfielder has gained the admiration and trust of Luiz Felipe Scolari. He would be high on confidence after having scored his first goal in their convincing 3-0 win over France. Scolari is likely to employ two deep-lying midfielders, and that will allow Oscar the freedom to dictate the game with his creativity. He looks the part of the primary play-maker for the team playing in the center of the pitch, and thrives when on the ball. He has the vision and, more importantly, the skills required to execute that vision; we can expect a match-winning performance against Japan.

1. Neymar

He has been the center of all attention ahead of the game and once the 90 minutes begin, he will have a lot of pressure on him to play the part. A lot of talk has been about how he needs to perform for the national team in order to join the ranks of Messi and Ronaldo; but the fact remains that on the day, personal goals should not be more important than the result. He made all the right sounds ahead of the game at a press conference. He said,”Brazilian football is blessed, because it always has great players representing the team, and not just one. We have ten, fifteen important players, even more.” He has the skill, the support around him and a successful manager at the helm. He must make it count now.