Confederations Cup 2013 Bracket: Power Ranking Best Potential Matchups

Two-time defending Confederations Cup champion Brazil is looking to make that three titles in a row. Only this time, they will have the opportunity to do so in front of their home fans. 

As soccer fans in Brazil build with excitement in preparation for the 2014 World Cup, they have the Confederations Cup to tide them over. Group play began June 15 and will conclude on June 23. It all should provide for some wonderful soccer. 

Eight teams are split into two groups for this tournament, and there is plenty of talent among these eight teams.

Take a look at the groups, the schedule and my breakdown at the three matchups I most want to see. 

2013 Confederations Cup Groups

Group A (Record)	Group B (Record)
Brazil (0-0)	Nigeria (0-0)
Italy (0-0)	Spain (0-0)
Japan (0-0)	Tahiti (0-0)
Mexico (0-0)	Uruguay (0-0)

Complete 2013 Confederations Cup Group Schedule

*Courtesy of FIFA.com

Group A

Match No.	When	Where	Watch	Country	Country
1	June 15 at 3 p.m. ET	Brasilia	ESPN	Brazil	Japan
2	June 16 at 3 p.m. ET	Rio De Janeiro	ESPN	Mexico	Italy
5	June 19 at 3 p.m. ET	Fortaleza	ESPN	Brazil	Mexico
6	June 19 at 5 p.m. ET	Recife	ESPN	Italy	Japan
9	June 22 at 3 p.m. ET	Salvador	ESPNNews	Italy	Brazil
10	June 22 at 3 p.m. ET	Belo Horizonte	ESPN	Japan	Mexico

Group B

Match No.	When	Where	Watch	Country	Country
3	June 16 at 5 p.m. ET	Recife	ESPN	Spain	Uruguay
4	June 17 at 3 p.m. ET	BeloHorizonte	ESPN	Tahiti	Nigeria
7	June 20 at 3 p.m. ET	Rio DeJaneiro	ESPN	Spain	Tahiti
8	June 20 at 5 p.m. ET	Salvador	ESPN	Nigeria	Uruguay
11	June 23 at 3 p.m. ET	Fortaleza	ESPN	Nigeria	Spain
12	June 23 at 3 p.m. ET	Recife	ESPN2	Uruguay	Tahiti

Spain vs. Uruguay

Spain doesn't face the toughest slate in Group B, but they certainly can't look past Uruguay.

With Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani on the attack, Uruguay possess a powerhouse attack and the ability to win any match they play. 

However, the problem for Uruguay, as is the problem for most of Spain's foes, is they will struggle to gain possession to give Suarez and Cavani looks. Spain's midfield is outrageously talented, and that group typically dominates the flow of the contest. 

Still, Uruguay has been known to pull of a surprise or two, and it will be fascinating to watch them try shock the world's top team. 

Italy vs. Mexico

Like our first match, this one is set to come to us in group play, and if goal scoring is your thing, this matchup is not for you. 

While Mexico has a talented offense led by Manchester United's Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez at forward and Aldo de Nigris, this group has been struggling to score goals. 

El Tri has just three goals in six World Cup qualifying hexagonal matches, and they enter this tournament after two matches where they were held scoreless against Costa Rica and Panama.

However, while the offense has been stagnant, the defense has picked up, and Mexico hasn't lost a match this year. 

Meanwhile, Italy's famously tough defense is never a welcomed sight for a team enduring offensive struggles. However, since Cesare Prandelli took over managing duties two years ago, Italy has begun to play a little more offensively minded. 

This will help keep this match at a nice pace and lead to some quality looks. 

Brazil vs. Spain

What's not to like about this potential matchup? This match will pack as much talent as possible onto a pitch. 

We've already discussed Spain's tremendous midfield and their ability to horde possession, and while Uruguay will be a nice test for Spain, it's nothing compared to Brazil. 

Luiz Felipe Scolari is leading a talented roster with diverse talent. With Neymar and Hulk among those launching shots for Brazil, this is a potent attack, but Brazil also brings a quality defense with the leadership of Dani Alves guiding the way. 

Should these two meet, Spain would undoubtedly, and rightfully, be the favorite. However, Brazil will have the home fans, and that could fuel this young and developing team to new heights.