.jpg)
The 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup final is upon us, with hosts Brazil set to face Spain for the title on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.
For Brazil, the final will offer the opportunity for a fourth Confederations Cup title, which could serve as a springboard to further success at next summer's World Cup, also to be held in Brazil.
Spain have never won the Confederations Cup (this is their second appearance in the tournament), but they have won everything else lately. World Cup winners in 2010 and European champions in 2008 and 2012, Spain are currently unrivaled as the best international side in the world.
With such historic success of late, they also rank as one of the best international teams of all time. Will they add another title to their haul this Sunday, or will Brazil claim another Confederations crown?
Keep reading as we break down the match below.
Claudio Villa/Getty Images
How They Got Here
As hosts, Brazil were drawn into Group A with Japan, Mexico and Italy. Brazil won all three group matches to win Group A with nine points.
Brazil beat Japan, 3-0, in the opener, followed by a 2-0 victory over Mexico. They closed out the group stage with a 4-2 win over group runners-up Italy.
On Wednesday, Brazil defeated Uruguay, 2-1, in the semifinals, with Paulinho heading in the late winner.
Neymar and Fred have scored three goals apiece to lead Brazil, while Jo and Paulinho have scored twice each.
Spain won Group B with a 100-percent record against Uruguay (2-1), Tahiti (10-0) and Nigeria (3-0).
Spain then outlasted Italy in the semifinals, winning a penalty shootout, 7-6, after the match had finished scoreless following 90 minutes of regular time and 30 more of extra time. Jesus Navas converted the decisive penalty.
0 comments:
Post a Comment