Brazil vs. Japan: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

The 2013 Confederations Cup gets underway with host country and Group A favorite Brazil taking on Japan. Both sides are already locked into next year's World Cup, Brazil as the host and Japan through qualification, so the tournament is good preparation.

Brazil is under immense pressure to showcase improved form after dropping to No. 22 in the most recent FIFA rankings. The Selecao must start turning things around over the next couple weeks and also build some confidence heading toward next summer.

The Samurai Blue find themselves in a very difficult group, which also features Italy and Mexico. Making it through to the knockout stages would be a terrific accomplishment. Regardless of the result, it's a good measuring stick with the World Cup looming.

Let's take a look at all the key viewing information for the opening match, followed by a breakdown of some players to watch and a prediction.

Where: Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia, Brazil

When: Saturday, June 15 at 3 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Brazil Player to Watch: Neymar

The spotlight started shining brightly on Neymar after he agreed to join Barcelona. It will stay on him for the next year as Brazil looks for improved results and a deep run in the World Cup. For that to happen, the talented forward must lead the way.

At 21, he headlines a young group of Brazilians being asked to lead a resurgence. Oscar, Lucas Moura and Hulk are among the others. Ultimately, Neymar is the singular force capable of getting the nation's normally elite side back on track.

In the Confederations Cup opener, he goes up against a Japan defense that's allowed just five goals in eight World Cup qualifiers. He must strike the right balance between individual play and getting his teammates involved to spark the attack.

Japan Player to Watch: Keisuke Honda

What makes Honda special is his extraordinary versatility. He won't be the quickest player on the pitch and other players have more eye-popping goal totals, but the CSKA Moscow star is willing to do whatever it takes to help Japan win.

He can track back to help defensively, help the Samurai Blue control possession in the midfield and he's shown a scoring touch when necessary. Honda's at his most impressive when serving as a playmaker, delivering laser-like passes.

The biggest key for Japan is avoiding a wide-open match that would allow Brazil's stars plenty of space to operate. The overlooked side needs to keep things tight defensively and push on counterattacks to create chances; it all starts with Honda.

Matchup to Watch: Julio Cesar vs. Eiji Kawashima

Goalkeepers are vital to a team's success in these tournaments. The early jitters often lead to good scoring chances. Coming up with one or two big saves can really have a major impact on the entire squad, which is the task in front of Cesar and Kawashima.

The Brazilian keeper is coming off a strong season for Queens Park Rangers. Even though the club was relegated from the Premier League, it would have been even worse without him stealing some points along the way. The Selecao need that to continue.

Kawashima figures to be the busier of the two keepers. Brazil is likely going to come out flying in front of the home fans. He must withstand that early barrage and keep Japan within striking distance if the underdogs want a chance to earn at least a point.

Prediction

Brazil 2, Japan 1