FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Early Predictions for Tournament

The Confederations Cup serves two purposes. For the teams involved, the tournament is as an extremely useful measuring stick one year out from the World Cup. It also gives the host country a test run of what to expect when the marquee event does arrive.

This year's field includes the defending World Cup champions, Spain, and a host country which is attempting to rediscover its previous magic in Brazil. Completing the eight-team field are Italy, Mexico, Japan, Uruguay, Nigeria and Tahiti.

Let's take a closer look at each of the two groups before making predictions for each and forecasting which national team will capture the trophy. To check out the schedule and more pertinent information, visit the tournament's official site.

Group A

Brazil has fallen all the way to No. 22 in the latest FIFA rankings. While the slide obviously isn't ideal as the nation gets prepared to host the World Cup, it's not indicative of its talent level. Led by rising stars like Neymar and Oscar, its a very dangerous squad.

Italy is coming off a surprising draw with Haiti, which saw the team give up two goals in the final minutes of the match. That type of form won't be good enough to win the trophy, but the Azzurri are still one of the most talented rosters in the tournament.

Missing out on the knockout stages will be Mexico and Japan. El Tri have struggled mightily to produce offense in recent matches, including two straight scoreless draws before traveling to Brazil. Japan is improved, but not ready to overtake Brazil or Italy yet.

Prediction: Brazil and Italy

Group B

Group B is less daunting, which is good news for Spain. The dominant European squad, highlighted by a world-class midfield featuring the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi, should be able to advance to the next round without much drama.

Uruguay is in the midst of a World Cup qualifying battle that will probably go right down to the wire. In the meantime, the Celeste will turn their attention to making a deep run here. They will rely heavily on the duo of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani up front.

With those two teams very likely to move on, it leaves out Nigeria and Tahiti. The Super Eagles deserve a lot of credit for their Africa Cup of Nations run, but this is a major step up. Tahiti lacks the depth necessary to keep pace with the top sides.

Prediction: Spain and Uruguay

Tournament Title

Ultimately, look for Spain and Brazil to meet in the final. It wouldn't even be a slight surprise considering they are both top contenders heading into the tournament, but sometimes going with the chalk is the best option.

Brazil is desperate to make a statement. The Selecao want to build some confidence heading into next year, and winning the Confederations Cup would be a huge step. The biggest concerns are Neymar's ability to carry the attack and the back line being able to step up against elite competition.

Although they would be able to give Spain a competitive match, La Roja are simply too strong. They can control possession in the midfield and defend as well as any team in the event. It should amount to another notable triumph for the Spanish stars.

Prediction: Spain over Brazil