Starting the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in 2 separate groups, Brazil and Spain will now close out the competition with an extremely appetizing championship match. Playing in front of the home crowd, the Brazilian national team appears to be back in championship form as they continue preparations to host next summer's World Cup.
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While they continue to play at a high level, the Spanish nationals are also playing excellent soccer at the perfect time. The 2012 Euro Cup champs and defending World Cup champions will look to add to their stellar resume when they meet Brazil in the CONFED Cup Final.
When and Where to Watch Confederations Cup Final
Set to meet in the CONFED Cup finale, Brazil and Spain will play their championship match on Sunday, June 30th. The contest will be available through the ESPN Television network beginning at 6:00pm, EST.
In addition to ESPN's coverage, an on-line live stream will be available by following this link.
Team Preview - Brazil
Representing Group A, Brazil began their road to the final with an impressive victory over Japan. The Japanese nationals had recently clinched a berth at next year's World Cup and entering their opening match against Brazil, Japan felt confident in their abilities on both ends of the field.
Falling behind early, Japan watched as Neymar and Brazil dominated the offensive end on their way to a 3-0 victory. Notching the first of 3 tournament goals, Neymar began his ascent to the top of the game as he continues to grow into one of the world's finest talents. Another shutout victory came next against Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and Mexico. Holding El Tri off the board while aggravating their star scorer, the Brazil cruised to another victory as they looked to be the tournament's top team.
Defeating Italy 4-2 the next time out, Brazil's toughest match came in the semifinals. Pitted against Luis Suarez and a sometimes offensively-inept Uruguay team, Fred scored the game's opening goal for Brazil in the 41st-minute. 7 minutes later, Uruguayan offensive star Edinson Cavani evened the game. Playing to a scoreless tie for nearly 40 minutes, Paulinho sent a header through the pipes, putting Brazil up for good 2-1.
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Heading into the final, Brazil certainly possesses the ability to score and defend but with obvious holes in their scheme, Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe notes that the various weaknesses on the Brazilian side could cost them a title.
Brazil are still disjointed and easily spooked. Central midfield remains an issue, although they did look slightly better when Paulinho was pushed into the No. 10 role late on.
They don't have a central midfielder capable of dictating the game on the ball, and that could well prove to be their downfall in the final.
Team Preview - Spain
Spain's tournament began with an impressive 2-1 victory over tournament semifinalist Uruguay. Following the Group B opener with a 10-0 drubbing of Tahiti, the Spanish offense continued to click. Disposing of Nigeria 3-0 in their third match, the defending World Cup champions were matched up against Italy in the semifinals.
In what turned out to be one of the best matches on any level of soccer this season, Spain and Italy played to a scoreless draw for 120 minutes. Sans their offensive leader Mario Balotelli - who was sent home with a sore thigh - Italy was able to keep their counterparts off the board with a tireless defensive effort and although they weren't able to get anything going offensive either, Italy's defense gave them a chance.
Forced to enter a shootout, both teams were firing on point and after Jesus Navas sent one into the bottom left corner of the goal, Spain outlasted Italy 7-6 in a fantastic shootout to advance to the Confederations Cup Final.
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If they're able to dial the offensive intensity up and put pressure on players like Neymar and Fred, Spain is fully capable of continuing their international dominance.
Wrap Up
Be sure to catch all the action in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Final between Brazil and Spain on Sunday, June 30th. The match is scheduled to start at 6:00pm, EST with television coverage available through the ESPN Network.
Additionally, an on-line live stream can be found by following this link.
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