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The Confederations Cup is a good platform for top teams like Spain, Italy and Uruguay to test their balance ahead of the ultimate event that is the World Cup next year. On the other hand, it’s a huge opportunity for teams like Japan, Nigeria and Mexico to showcase their ability. Hosts Brazil, who have a very young squad, will be under the spotlight as they try to win a big FIFA event on their home soil. However, with Spain looking determined to add to their trophy cabinet, Brazil will have to come up with their best game.
It is also a big stage for the players. Veterans will be looking to stamp their authority and confirm their place in the World Cup plans of their respective coaches, while the young players will be keen to exhibit their skills in front of the world. The likes of Neymar, Cavani, Suarez, Torres who have been in the news for their rumoured/successful transfers to mega clubs will be looking to grab the eyeballs for their national sides. Here is a list of 5 players who will be key to their side’s fortunes at the Confederations Cup 2013.
5. Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez – Mexico
The Manchester United striker has been a saving grace for coach Jose Manuel De la Torre, whose side has put in convincing defensive performances but have failed to find goals except through the mercurial striker. Hernandez has a terrific record of 32 goals in 47 games for Mexico — and five in Mexico’s nine World Cup qualifying matches. However, Mexico’s last three World Cup Qualifiers at home ended goal-less and thus, Hernandez will be under considerable pressure as they take on the misfiring Italian team.
4. Andrea Pirlo – Italy
The veteran has continued to perform a star role for the Azzurris and was their star man at Euro 2012. Italy’s midfield boasts of a lot of experience, perhaps a little too much, but they do have the legs in front of them in form of the Milanese duo of El Shaarawy and Mario Balotelli. Italy are prone to quick counter-attacking teams but if Pirlo stands strong and is allowed to dictate the pace of the game, the Azzurris could replicate their performance from Euro 2012. They have not had a promising run into the tournament so they will have to punch above their weight to have a chance ahead of Brazil, Spain, Uruguay.
3. Jordi Alba – Spain
Spain look clear favorites for the tournament on paper. This list could be filled by the likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Cazorla, Silva, Mata and so on. Spain pride themselves in the strength of their midfield, so much so that they refuse to play a genuine No. 9 and Del Bosque has conceded that they lack a decent no. 9 as of now. Hence, this list would like to throw light on the quality of Jordi Alba. His pace on the left flank adds another dimension to Spain’s game and he’s a delight to watch. He would love to add to his heroics of Euro 2012 where he scored one of the four goals against Italy in the final.
2. Luis Suarez – Uruguay
The Uruguay striker has been chosen on this list ahead of compatriot Edinson Cavani. Both the forwards will pose a considerable threat to their opponents, but Cavani might miss out in the final XI given Oscar Tabarez’s preference for a 4-4-2 lineup with Forlan playing just behind Suarez. Uruguay will definitely be a dark horse at this year’s competition. They have consistently performed well at the FIFA events. Suarez has shown that he is unaffected by all the talk that surrounds his rumoured transfer away from Liverpool. Suarez scored the match-winning goal against France a few days ago and he will be running the channels, escaping tight spaces and causing a lot of trouble once again.
1. Neymar – Brazil
A lot of hope have been placed on the young shoulders of the former Santos forward. Felipe Scolari has chosen to go with youth ahead of experience and Neymar’s record at 21 years of age seems to vindicate his decision. The forward, who made his move to Barcelona a few weeks back, has 20 goals in 34 international appearances. He will be under considerable pressure to perform at the tournament given Leandro Damiao’s absence due to a thigh injury. Paulinho and Oscar will be two other key players for Brazil as they look to play to the tag of the defending champions as well as that of the host nation.
