FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Bold Predictions for Remaining Group Stage Games

The 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup has officially kicked off, and we've already seen some fireworks.

Brazil rolled to a 3-0 victory over Japan on Saturday, while Nigeria embarrassed overmatched Tahiti on Monday. Of course, Spain defeated Uruguay, 2-1.

But there is plenty more action on the pitch for us all as teams continue to build (or disintegrate) in the Confederations Cup.

Here's a look at the remaining matches in the group stage, complete with bold predictions.

June 19

Brazil Will Defeat Mexico

While Mexico ranks 17th in the world, and Brazil ranks 22nd, the Mexican side has been struggling as of late. Mexico lost to Italy on Sunday, 2-1. 

On the other hand, Brazil scored a sound 3-0 victory over Japan on Saturday.

Mexico hasn't won a match since a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in 2014 World Cup qualifying on June 4.

Italy Will Win by 2 Goals vs. Japan

Japan's 3-0 loss to Brazil was embarrassing. The side defeated Iraq in World Cup qualifying on June 11, but tied Australia and lost 2-0 to Bulgaria before that.

Meanwhile, Italy scored a solid victory over Mexico, showing some life after some troubling matches against Haiti and Czech Republic.

June 20

Spain Will Defeat Tahiti by 4 Goals

Spain, the No. 1 team in the world, gets to face Tahiti on Thursday, which just lost to Nigeria, 6-1.

Meanwhile, Spain disposed of No. 19 Uruguay on Sunday, 2-1. Spain won all six of its friendlies before opening up the Confederations Cup with a victory.

Spain's midfield should eat up Tahiti in this clash, providing many scoring opportunities that the Spanish will capitalize on.

Uruguay Will Defeat Nigeria 

While Nigeria made quick work of Tahiti, the same won't apply against Uruguay. 

Uruguay is playing better, and its close loss to Spain showed me more than Nigeria's victory against over-matched Tahiti. Nigeria certainly has tons of talent, but its 1-0 victory over Kenya in World Cup qualifying didn't show me enough to hand the side a victory on Thursday.

June 22

Brazil Will Defeat Italy

While Italy is ranked higher than Brazil, Brazil can defeat anyone when they're clicking. While a 3-0 victory over Japan isn't overly impressive, Brazil did exhibit the skills and communication needed to topple the Italians.

Italy will receive a wake-up call from Brazil after wins over Mexico and Japan.

Mexico Will Defeat Japan

Japan's 3-0 loss to Brazil was not what the side had in mind. Japan should be better than this, with Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa in the midfield, but a shutout points to the team being out of sync on the pitch.

While I'm not that hot on Mexico either, I think the Mexicans have shown more than the Japanese so far.

June 23

Spain Will Defeat Nigeria by 2 Goals

After wins over Uruguay and Tahiti, Spain will show Nigeria what a talented team can do with more chemistry on the pitch.

Nigeria, as noted before, has always had talent, but you also have to execute, and the Spanish execute as well as anyone in the world, taking advantage of their talent. This will be a lesson for the Nigerians, one they should take to heart.

Uruguay Will Defeat Tahiti by 3 Goals

Uruguay has only defeated a team by more than two goals once in the campaign (Nov. 11 against Chile in World Cup qualifying). The team hasn't generally exhibited an attack that can explode.

But Tahiti is clearly over-matched in the Confederations Cup, as exemplified in its 6-1 loss to Nigeria. Uruguay should be able to find enough opportunities to finish with a three-goal advantage.