Confederations Cup 2013 Predictions: Players Most Likely to Lead Field in Goals

Although the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and other prolific goal scorers won't be a part of the Confederations Cup, there will still be plenty of top-flight talent nonetheless. Some of the best teams in the world have descended upon Brazil for the prestigious tournament, which is sure to produce some great matches.

With teams like Brazil, Spain, Italy and Uruguay involved, scoring isn't likely to be much of an issue. All of those teams boast impressive attacks and have some of the best offensive players in the world on their respective rosters. There is no one scorer who is definitively above the rest, though, so the Confederations Cup scoring race should be a treat to watch.

Here are three players who have the best chance to lead the Confederations Cup in goals and earn the coveted Golden Shoe in the process.

Edinson Cavani

On a team stacked with offensive talent such as Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan, Edinson Cavani is most likely to lead Uruguay in scoring at the Confederations Cup.

The skilled striker is a very hot commodity on the transfer market right now, as he is coming off a 38-goal season with Napoli. If Cavani is able to carry his momentum over into the Confederations Cup, Uruguay will be a force to be reckoned with.

While Cavani hasn't been a huge scorer for Uruguay with just 14 career international goals, he has done some damage during 2014 World Cup qualification.

He also probably feels as though he has a lot to prove since his name is so heavily involved in transfer rumors. He has been linked to a number of teams, but according to Sky Sports, Cavani's father has said that his son wants to play for Real Madrid.

A strong showing in the Confederations Cup might convince Los Blancos to come up with a big offer in hopes of acquiring Cavani's services.

Cavani developed into one of the most lethal goalscorers in the world over his three years at Napoli as he netted 104 goals in 138 matches. Opposing teams know that they will have to keep an eye on Cavani, but with several other offensive stars playing for Uruguay as well, Cavani will get his chances.

Mario Balotelli

It can be argued that Italy's Mario Balotelli is the most polarizing player in soccer, but he also happens to be one of the most talented.

Balotelli had a tumultuous few seasons at Manchester City, but it was always obvious that he had the skill necessary to become a top player. Balotelli finally seemed to live up to his immense potential with Milan this past season; he scored 12 goals in 13 matches and is certainly on the upswing.

Balotelli has been a force for Italy over the past year as well with seven goals in 15 international matches since 2012. Balotelli scored thrice during Italy's strong showing at Euro 2012, and he scored against Brazil in a friendly a few months ago. His form is as good as ever, and even he has a very high opinion of himself right now, according to soccer journalist Sam Rhodes.

Even if Balotelli is a bit higher on himself than most others are, he definitely has the tools to take over this tournament. Much of his success depends upon the ability of Italy's midfielders to find him in dangerous areas, but that hasn't been an issue in recent matches. Provided the good version of Balotelli shows up in Brazil, he may very well score in bunches.

Neymar

As the star player for the home side at the Confederations Cup, Neymar will be watched very closely throughout the tournament. The pressure on him will be immense, but he happens to be one of the most skilled players in the world and is undoubtedly Brazil's best finisher.

Although Neymar only had 13 goals in 23 matches for Santos this past season, he eclipsed 40 goals in two of the previous three seasons, so finding the back of the net isn't a concern.

Neymar also seems to step up in international play, as he has 20 goals in 33 matches for Brazil. Playing in front of the home fans could be nerve-racking for Neymar, but he is a dynamic player who may very well be energized by it as well.

Brazil must first get through group play and the knockout stage in order to play in the final, but Neymar is already looking ahead to a potential dream matchup, according to Barca Stuff.

If Brazil is able to reach the final, then it's pretty safe to assume that Neymar will have a huge hand in making it happen. Neymar is viewed as the future of Brazilian soccer at the age of 21, but he is the present as well.

Brazil has a long history of success in this tournament with three victories, including the past two. Also, a Brazilian has won four of the six Golden Shoes, so look for Neymar to be in the mix as well.

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