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The world champions have played a huge part in elevating the status of the Confederations Cup this year as they have arrived here with a great deal of purpose. Del Bosque and La Roja look determined to add this last remaining trophy to their over-brimming cabinet of laurels. Their ambitions go further as Cesc Fabregas said in an interview ahead of the competition. He believes, and perhaps a great majority of football pundits do too, that this generation of footballers that Spain have produced deserve to win every trophy that is out there. They have already eased their way into the semi-finals without any glitches and are now two games away from winning the dress-rehearsal event.
Spain’s road to the semi-finals began with what was supposed to be the toughest game of the group against Uruguay. La Celeste were unable to compete for the ball against the skillful Spanish midfield and were starved of possession. The game ended 2-1 but it was hardly deserving of that narrow scoreline. The world champions then faced minnows Tahiti which was a virtual walkover that saw Spain’s strikers having some fun. Nigeria put up some resistance initially and kept the scoreline down to 1-0 at the hour mark but the mid-field patiently dismantled the Super Eagles. Andres Iniesta has been in top form for the world champions whereas Fernando Torres has scored the most number of goals in the tournament so far.
Here is a list of five reasons why Spain will win the Confederations Cup:
5. Limp semi-final
Spain will face Italy, who are coming off a defeat against the Selecao, in the semi-finals. They look a shadow of the team that reached the finals of Euro 2012 and even more so now with a number of injuries. Mario Balotelli and Ignazio Abate have been ruled out of the fixture already, whereas the engine of the team – Andrea Pirlo – remains a doubt for the clash. Any side that hopes to stop the Spanish juggernaut will have to put up an impenetrable defense, but the aging Italy side seem to lack both the morale and the personnel for it. Italy can only hope to salvage pride in such a situation and Spain are likely to progress to the final of the tournament.
4. Inexperienced Brazil
Brazil may have the skill, but do they have the experience?
If the odds are to be considered, Spain will face Brazil in the final, making it a mouth-watering clash. In fact, it was the probability of this clash at some stage that brought generated extra interest in the competition. We are fortunate that the clash will be the all-important final. Spain will have the upper hand in the game because in spite of Brazil’s flair and pace, their team is too inexperienced to match the Spanish outfit. Stellar teams like the Netherlands and Italy have lost their shape against the incessant attack of La Roja, and one wonders if the young Brazilian outfit will be temperamentally capable of surviving the onslaught.
3. Midfield battle
The Spanish midfield may prove to be too strong for both Italy and Brazil
It is said that a game of football is won and lost in the midfield. Very true. Spain’s footballing philosophy is an extreme application of that belief; so much so that they have opted to play with a false no. 9 at times as they do not like a striker remaining aloof at the head of the pitch. They like players to participate in every offensive move, and that is what they will do in each of the two games. Italy are likely to remain resistant as they try to keep Spain out of the net for as long as possible, whereas Brazil will try to get the ball and utilize their pace on the wings to break down Spain. Italy’s strategy is likely to back-fire as they do not have a strong enough defense, whereas it will be interesting to see how the Brazilian midfield copes when they are deprived of the ball.
2. Goals aplenty
Torres has been among the goals in the Confederation Cup
Spain have not been short of goals in this competition, and that is a healthy sign. They were not scoring a lot of goals in the 2010 World Cup, but their midfield has become more adept at scoring goals over the years. Interestingly, the no. 9 position is still under a bit of debate, but every striker who has got a chance has put in the goals. Jordi Alba has been yet another source. He scored two against Nigeria. Fernando Torres looks like he is rejuvenating his career with the Confederations Cup, and he may get Del Bosque’s nod in the all important semi-final.
1. Possession football
Spain will look to dominate possession as always
Spain is a side that works with skill and patience. They will pass the ball till a gap appears in the defense and then they will try to exploit it. In the process, they will monopolize all possession and force the opposition to defend with discipline. They had 71% possession against Uruguay, and you might see more such numbers against the likes of Italy and Brazil. Andres Iniesta and Xavi have been playing in top form, and disrupting their distribution will not be easy. Netherlands tried to play a very physical game in order to disturb the tempo and rhythm of their game in the 2010 final, but eventually failed. It will be interesting to see what tactics Italy and Brazil adopt.
