Five-time World Cup winners Brazil will take on the reigning world champions Spain in the final of the FIFA Confederation Cup 2013. The match will be played at Estadio do Maracana, Rio De Janeiro on Sunday night.
Overview:
FIFA Confederation Cup 2013 final is an epic game of sort, as the five-time World Cup winners will try to stop the reigning world champions Spain from taking another title.
Brazil are on a 10-match unbeaten run and haven't lost a competitive game at home since 1975. They will come into the game after beating Uruguay 2-1 in the semi-final. They beat Japan, Mexico and Italy in the group stage to book a berth in the knockout stage. They will be keen to stop Spain's dominance in the soccer world.
Spain, the reigning world champions and UEFA European Championship winners, are on a record 29 unbeaten run with 24 wins and five draws. They beat Italy 7-6 in thrilling penalty shoot-outs in the semi-final to book a place in the final. They beat Uruguay, Tahiti and Nigeria in the group stage. They will be keen to beat the five-time World Cup winners and lift the Confederation Cup.
Previous Meetings:
Brazil have 4-2 win-loss and two draws record against Spain in their eight meetings.
Team News:
Brazil: They have no injury worries but out-of-form striker Hulk is expected to be sidelined in the final against Spain. They are likely to field the same squad that beat Uruguay 2-1 in the semi-final.
Spain: Cesc Fabregas and Roberto Soldado, who were sidelined in the previous game against Italy due to injuries, are expected to return to the team. They have full strength available for the final with no injury scare.
Prediction:
Spain's dominance in the present world football can't be ignored but they seemed to be having hard time playing in the humid climate, and it was exposed in the semi-final match against Italy. With very good record at home, Brazil will come into the game as the favourites to win the FIFA Confederation Cup.
Probable Line-ups:
Brazil: Cesar, Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Gustavo, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar, Fred
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Fàbregas, Pedro, Soldado, Iniesta
Where to Watch Live:
The match will begin at 3:30 AM IST (Monday) in India and it will be broadcast live on Star Sports channel. It will also be live streamed online on Star Sports official website.
