Brazil vs Spain Preview

After Spain beating Italy on penalties and Brazil brushing Uruguay aside it has set up a mouth watering final. Of course this was the final all the locals wanted, and many across the planet. The best team in the world against the hosts Brazil. Each will think they can win the trophy but who will be taking the trophy out of the stadium and home with them this year after being crowed confederations cup winners 2013.     

Brazil of course will have the home crowd behind them to cheer them on with there incredible fans. There will be a sea of yellow in the Maracana, named after the Brazilian river. Brazil are a surprise in the final for me. Yes they have an incredible attacking force but defensively they are not the best side, even with Thiago Silva at the heart of their defence. But their 4-2 win against Italy may have given them a new found confidence in the tournament as a team, showing that they can beat one of the best sides in the world. Neymar has undoubtedly been the star of the tournament for the Brazilians. His pace finesse and just sheer brilliance has lite up the tournament and Brazil, Barcelona will be very happy with their new forward. But can Brazil's beauty of play and samba samba football be enough to take the game to Spain and beat them in the final for their first trophy since 2009. 

Spain are looking to fill up there already glistening trophy cabinet with the only international trophy available they have not lifted as of yet. Spain as ever have been incredible, Iniesta and Xavi at the heart of everything they have done well in this tournament. Scoring an impressive 15 goals and conceding just 1 goal which was the Suarez free-kick. Spain were always my favourites to win this trophy and just keep their trophy hunt continuing. Their whole team is just filled with world class players everywhere. Even when they put out what some called their 'second team' against Tahiti including players such as Carzola, Martinez and Villa showing as a nation they have strength in depth. Spain will be playing against the crowd, after being booed throughout the tournament so this surely wont affect them. 

If you compare the two sides I would have Spain a slight favourites. I would start with Soldado if Spain did choose to play a striker in a final. But if Luiz is fit to start the final I think Brazil will have less of a chance of winning. Dante is a stronger defensive minded player compared to Luiz and should start ahead of him. Spain are missing Alonso massivley in this tournament as he adds a different twist with the long balls across the park. Neymar will try to spark magic into Brazil and try and get between the defensive lines of the Spanish but I think he will struggle playing against Arbeloa. The tournament could be won on that wing if Arbeloa can step up his game with Ramos tucking in behind him to help then they could keep Neymar quiet and feed Pedro who could possibly start on the wing. Spain should come out on top if Iniesta and Xavi can get into the game and pull apart players such as Paulinho and Luis Gustavo. Spain go into the game with a record of 29 competitive unbeaten games yet Brazil are on a strong run of their own on home soil, so it is set up for a very good game between two very good sides. 

My Prediction: 

Brazil 0-1 Spain.

Thank you for reading. 

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