Spain v Brazil Prediction 30th June 2013 – Confederations Cup Final

Brazil v Spain Betting Preview
What neutral doesn’t want to see Spain take on Brazil? It is the matchup that most were expecting to happen, before a ball was kicked in anger for the 2013 edition. Spain, the current World champions get the chance to claim the only big scalp they haven’t claimed in world football in recent years, that of Brazil. Victory would give Spain their first ever Confederations Cup title, for Brazil, the hosts, they are looking for an historic third title in a row. Spain have a proven winning mentality, can Brazil snap them at the Maracana?

Brazil v Spain Betting Odds at online bookmaker Paddy Power
Brazil 6/4, Spain 7/4, Draw 23/10

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Brazil v Spain Recommended Bet:
It is the dream final that just about all neutrals want to see, and both sides will be keen to test themselves against the other. But from the outset, the ball may just be in Brazil’s court on this one. They not only have home advantage, no injury concerns and a big support behind them, but they also will have had an extra day’s rest before playing the final. That could be a huge factor in the heat of Brazil. The young Brazilian side is heading into the right direction and in a year’s time at the 2014 World Cup, could be a major force. After watching the side stumble to a disappointing draw earlier in the year against England, Brazil have been definitely trending upward under coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Leading the young Brazil forward is Neymar, the jewel in the South American nations’ crown, but his strike partners Hulk and Fred are struggling to live up to his standards.

So Brazil could be better yet, but still, as a unit, Brazil have scored 22 goals in their last eight matches. They have scored at least twice in each of their last eight matches as well. Judging from what we have seen of them at the 2013 Confederations Cup, they are not the finished product. Their defence needs some work and they aren’t that strong in the middle of the park. Their strength is powering forward and putting opponents under pressure at the back. They attack at pace and in big numbers. Should they topple Spain in the final on Sunday then they will become the first nation ever to win the Confederations Cup three times in a row. They are currently on a streak of having won 11 of their last 12 matches in the tournament. A late winner against Uruguay booked their place in the final. With a penchant for late goals, will the advantages that they have translate into claiming a big Spanish scalp?

Spain were pushed all the way by Italy the second semi final. Italy were tactically brilliant and exposed Spain down the flanks and had some big chances. But still, on the balance in whole, no matter how hard Italy pushed, Spain didn’t look like cracking. The longer the game went on, the stronger the Spaniards look. They have to be confidence, currently riding a 29 competitive match unbeaten streak, and the biggest scalp they haven’t claimed in their era of dominance has been that of the Selecao. The Spaniards looked drained in the heat following extra time in their penalty shootout win against Italy. While Italy flexed their tactical muscle, Spain adapted brilliantly to situations thrown at them in the semi. So will Spain’s resolve and winning mentality get them the only international title they haven’t won in their history? The last time that Spain lost an international match was back at the 2010 World Cup, going down against Switzerland in their opening group fixture.

Spain are likely to have the edge in the midfield area, while Brazil’s full backs could really threaten the European nation down the flanks. Spain have the better defence (having not conceded in their last knockout matches), but Brazil have the bigger firepower.  It should be a fascinating match in a fantastic atmosphere at the Maracana. Worth backing Spain at 7/4 with online betting site Paddy Power

In the Spain v Brazil head to head, it is Brazil who hold a 4-2 lead from eight meetings. They have only met once in the last twenty three years though, that being back in 1999 with a goalless friendly. Brazil haven’t lost a competitive home match since 1975.

Stat Attack
Brazil have won four of eight previous matches against Spain (W4, d2, L2)
Spain are unbeaten in their last 29 competitive matches
Spain haven’t conceded a goal in their last eight knockout matches
Brazil have scored at least two goals in each of their last eight matches
Spain have won their last three penalty shoot outs, scoring 15 of 17 attempts