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The Confederations Cup 2013 might have had its issues due to the ongoing protests in Brazil but as far as the football is concerned, it has not disappointed.
We had a number of fixtures which were closely contested and a lot of goals have been scored to the delight of football fans. Fortunately, the best four teams have reached the business end of the tournament and it can only get better from here.
The host nation has will play Uruguay in a repeat of the 1950 World Cup final in one of the semi-finals. Brazil’s performance in the group stages of the tournament augurs well for them as they were sharp in offense, and strong in defence. Their biggest test is likely to come in the final where they should meet world champions Spain if the odds are to be considered.
The Confederations Cup was promoted by positing the probability of this mouth-watering clash. World champions Spain against the host nation Brazil. Two big contenders for World Cup success next year meeting at the dress-rehearsal event for an assessment of the progress they have made on the road to Brazil 2014.
Both the teams have made the semi-finals without much effort. Spain conceded a single goal in the three games they played in their group constituted by Uruguay, Nigeria and Tahiti whereas Brazil conceded just one more in their group which was constituted by Italy, Japan and Mexico. Both the teams are high on confidence as they look to win the competition.
Here are five reasons why Brazil could upset world champions Spain to lift the Confederations Cup 2013.
5. Home support
Brazil have derived a lot of energy from the home support they have at the ground. Even though protests surround the competition, the fans have not isolated their team and a victory will be just reward for their loyalty.
The fact that they will play the semi-finals against old rivals, Uruguay, should spur the crowd to get right behind them. We have seen the players urging the crowd to raise the noise levels in order to put pressure on their opponents; they will be doing the same for the next two fixtures.
4. History
The Confederations Cup has been dominated by the Selecao, who are looking to win their third consecutive title. The Selecao are on a 11-match unbeaten run at the event with their last loss going back to 2005 in the group stage to Mexico. While this piece of history favours Brazil, there is a bit that goes against them.
While the long-forgotten 1950 world cup final will not be on any player’s mind, Brazil will remember that Felipe Scolari’s reign began with a 1-0 defeat to La Celeste. However, Uruguay have not looked the side they were a year ago. They have suffered a steep decline after their Copa America triumph and Brazil are likely to exploit their lack of form.
3. Luiz Felipe Scolari
The experienced campaigner has led Brazil to major victories before and the 2002 World Cup triumph was the high point of his career. He will be eager to replicate that success with Brazil in 2014. Brazil are not participating in any qualifying campaign and as a result they have very little competitive football to play which makes the Confederation Cup a very significant event for the team where Scolari can assess team balance, personnel, strategy and temperament.
His major task could be to lead this side to a victory against world champions Spain in the final. His defensive organisation on that day and Brazil’s offensive flair must amount to a magnitude that can surpass the tiki-taka game of the Spanish.
It’s a huge challenge but recent times have been testament to the fact that the task can be accomplished with skilled counter-attacking football and pace. Brazil have the wherewithal to do it.
2. Better preparation
Brazil have played more competitive matches in this tournament whereas Spain have not come under any pressure at all. Their last game against Nigeria saw them work hard to penetrate the Super Eagles’ defence but Nigeria could not pose any threat in offense. Spain were kept down to a single goal in an hour of football until Fernando Torres came off the bench to make it 2-0.
Brazil’s defence has been solid and they have one of the best centre-backs of the tournament in Thiago Silva. David Luiz suffered a nose injury but will be back against Uruguay but just in case, they have Dante on the bench who had a great season in the Bundesliga.
Brazil’s tightly contested game against Italy must have warmed them up for the business end and cup competitions are all about peaking at the right time.
1. Neymar
Football is a team game and while no one individual player can take a team through 90 minutes, one player can galvanise a team and inspire them to excellence. Neymar has done just that for Brazil in the competition so far.
At such a young age, he has shown great levels of maturity and leadership. His skill and ability will be tested under harsh conditions as Uruguay (and possibly Spain) will come with a defensive organisation that tries to quell the threat that he poses. He will have to raise the bar and perform under pressure are great players are supposed to.
Neymar has exhibited enough in this competition for us to expect him to deliver when it matters the most.
