Confederations Cup 2013: Viewing Info for Group Play's Final Games

Group play at the 2013 Confederations Cup comes to a close this weekend. Group A wraps up on Saturday, highlighted by a battle between Italy and Brazil for the top spot. Group B finishes on Sunday, which will set the semifinal matchups.

There's been a high level of intrigue throughout the event, mostly because of all the close matches. Four of the six contests that didn't feature Tahiti, who are completely overmatched at this level, have been decided by one goal.

It's made for a good World Cup preview, both for the host nation of Brazil and fans around the globe. Let's examine where each of the groups currently stands and take a glance at the viewing information for the remaining matches of the current stage.

Group A

When: Saturday, June 22 at 3 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN (Italy vs. Brazil) and ESPNews (Japan vs. Mexico)

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Italy and Brazil already clinched berths in the knockout rounds after winning their first two matches. It doesn't mean the head-to-head meeting is meaningless, though. Actually, it's quite important, as the top side in Group A likely gets to avoid Spain in the semifinals.

Brazil entered the event with a lot of questions to answer after falling outside the top 20 in the FIFA rankings. The Selecao have looked far more dangerous than their ranking would indicate, with two straight clean-sheet victories.

As expected, they have been led by superstar forward Neymar. He's handled to pressure extremely well, scoring highlight-reel goals in each match. It will be interesting to see how he performs as the level of competition increases. In top form, he makes Brazil a title threat.

After a strong performance to upend Mexico, Italy nearly slipped up against Japan. But after falling behind 2-0, the veteran group fought back to secure the 4-3 victory. Mario Balotelli remains the key factor for the Azzurri.

In the other matchup, Japan and Mexico will play for pride. The Samurai Blue have struggled defensively, which is great news for an El Tri attack that is stuck in a deep slumber. That's the key matchup in the group finale.

Group B

When: Sunday, June 23 at 3 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN (Nigeria vs. Spain) and ESPN2 (Uruguay vs. Tahiti)

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Both matches on the final matchday of Group B have meaning. Nigeria will attempt to pull off a major upset of Spain, which would put pressure on Uruguay to secure a sizable goal differential against Tahiti. The Toa Aito have allowed 16 goals in two matches.

Although Spain haven't officially clinched a semifinal berth, it would take a complete meltdown for the world's best national team to miss out. That isn't going to happen. The defending World Cup and European champions look prepared for another championship run.

In typical La Roja fashion, they are dominating possession and utilizing their incredible depth to wear down opponents. The strength of their midfield, led by Andres Iniesta and Xavi, will be difficult for any other side to match.

Uruguay have the inside track on the second semifinal spot from the group after beating Nigeria. Shutting down the attacking trio of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan is a tough task for any back line and would make the Celeste dangerous in knockout play.

If Uruguay surprisingly falters, the door would open for Nigeria to move on. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how the Super Eagles play after solid performances in each of their first two matches. Playing Spain will serve as a good measuring stick for the improved squad.

As for Tahiti, it was an accomplishment just to take part in the tournament. The Toa Aito just didn't have enough talent to seriously compete.