FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Predicting the Semifinals and Finals

The 2013 FIFA Confederations is underway, and Brazil will look to continue its domination in the tournament as it plays host to the rest of the world.

Brazil has won the last two Confederation Cups and three overall. With one victory already in the tournament. 

Several other contenders got underway on Sunday, so let's preview what the semifinals and the finals will look like.

Before the predictions, let's take a look at the groups.

2013 FIFA Confederations Cup (courtesy of FIFA's official website):

Group A	Group B
Brazil	Nigeria
Italy	Spain
Japan	Tahiti
Mexico	Uruguay

Predictions: Semifinals

Brazil vs. Uruguay

Group A is tougher than Group B, but Brazil should have no problem winning the group.

Brazil's roster is loaded with stars, headlined by Neymar. Hulk, Thiago Silva and David Luiz are also big talents, but Neymar will be the player to watch in this tournament.

Neymar is one of the top players in the world right now, and he gave his team an early goal in the opening match of the tournament. Brazil didn't look back after a goal in the third minute.

In the other group, it doesn't look like there will be many obstacles for Spain or Uruguay to overcome. Nigeria and Tahiti aren't going to present much of a problem for the contenders in Group B.

Uruguay probably won't be able to upset Spain, so it looks like the squad will have to settle for being the runner-up. Unfortunately for Uruguay, that would set up a date with Brazil in the semifinals.

Luis Suarez will have to have a huge tournament if Uruguay stands a chance against Spain or Brazil. Even then it may not be enough. It will take a total team effort if they want to get to the finals.

Spain vs. Italy

This semifinal will be more intriguing. It will feature the top team and the No. 8 team in the FIFA rankings. No other teams in this tournament are ranked higher than No. 8.

Spain is the clear favorite in Group B. The top-ranked squad is the top team in the tournament, but it is also expected to run away with the group. The only tough match will be against Uruguay, but Spain will be able to win with pure talent.

The battle for runner-up in Group A was decided on the second day of the tournament. Mexico and Italy faced off, and Italy came out on top (game recap via ESPNfc.com).

Japan is not going to be an easy out, but Italy is much more talented. With a win over Mexico out of the way, the Italians need to avoid being upset against Japan to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Mario Balotelli will lead Italy to the semifinals, but that's about as far as the team will go in the tournament.

Prediction: Finals

Brazil vs. Spain

As the top team in the tournament, Spain should have no problem getting to the finals. Brazil could have a little more trouble, but the talent they have will get them to this match.

Playing in Brazil could be the difference against Italy. Brazil is not ranked nearly as high, but they have plenty of stars on the roster and will benefit from playing at home.

However, playing in Brazil won't do much once Spain and Brazil battle. A home crowd can only carry a team so far, and talent will prevail in the finals.

David Villa, Xavi and Juan Mata will lead Spain past Neymar and Brazil. It will be an exciting match, but Spain will eventually pull away to win the 2013 Confederations Cup.