Showing posts with label Brazil vs. Spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brazil vs. Spain. Show all posts

Friday, June 28, 2013

Brazil vs. Spain: X-Factors Who Will Make a Decision 2013 Confederations Cup Championship

A marathon championship match in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup between Spain and Brazil is lastly set, and we're certain to see some X-factor players step up to provide their teams the greater hand at triumph.

In a match that features so many world-class players, it's appallingly easy to overlook about players coming in under the radar who could create a large impact in their respective ways.

While players like Neymar, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Hulk will control headlines going into the match; these players will come through with mammoth performances.

Let's take a look at them in these X-factor predictions for the Confederations Cup final.

There hasn't been a player in this Confederations Cup that has been more important for Spain than Jordi Alba. The defender has found him a huge spot in the back line at left back, where he's capable to be inventive abusively without it impacting his protective abilities. He was capable to do that extremely well against Nigeria, with two goals and getting after it abusively.

That will be easier said than done against a Brazil squad that is typically sound defensively, but perhaps Alba's appearance will provide them that added dimension. We all know what Spain brings to the table and all of the hazardous players to look out for, but don't forget about the 24-year-old.

I expect Alba to have his usual shock by getting on the wing and building runs, opening things up in the middle for Spain's talented midfielders to push and take pleasure in more space than they're used to.

The Brazilians have been looking for a player to put next to Neymar up top, with Hulk not cutting it as of late. The biggest asset in that section has been Lucas Moura.

The new Paris Saint-Germain forward has grown to be a fan most wanted for the host country of Brazil, and looks to be prepared for a big breakout performance. Sunday will be the biggest chance to do that until next summer.

Lucas needs to emerge as a dependable attacker in this tournament if he wants to be in favor comes next summer's World Cup. He's only 20 years old and has some time left to build up, but the Brazilians require him now.

Neymar won't be capable to attack the Spanish defense by himself. It'll take a team attempt up top, and that starts with him and Lucas.

Another one of Spain's up-and-coming stars, Javi Martinez has looked big on the big stage when he has gotten the chance to indentation some playing time.

A player who primarily lines up at midfield in a central holding location, Martinez doesn't usually get in on the scoring but his impact is massive regardless.

His value was shown on Thursday, when Spain head coach Vincente Del Bosque opted to put back Fernando Torres with Martinez late in their penalty-shootout success over Italy. While it didn't result in goals, it helped Spain to shore up their enormous defensive problems and make sure that Italy didn't get a game-winning goal late.

Spain was having major problem stopping Italy's unpleasant attack, giving them plethora of chances to get on the scoring column. It won't be any easier against Brazil, who boasts some of the most hazardous offensive players in the world.

If Martinez gets the start or comes in off the bench, he'll be relied on to hold it down defensively while the other midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta roam in the attacking area.