Confederations Cup 2013: Bold Predictions for Group Stage Finale

The Confederations Cup has already yielded plenty of action, and that’s not likely to change in the final matches of group stage play.

Group A was decided in four matches after Brazil and Italy notched six points apiece in upending Mexico and Japan, but Group B has been a decidedly closer competition. While Tahiti has no chance of advancing, the other three teams in the group still have plenty to play for.

With Spain, Nigeria and Uruguay still fighting for a second-stage berth, Sunday’s final two contests will be worth keeping a close eye on. Don’t expect Sunday’s finale to lack excitement.

Let’s preview the final two matches of the Confederations Cup group stage and offer some bold predictions for what to expect when Spain takes on Nigeria and Tahiti battles for pride against Uruguay.

Spanish Exposition?

Spain vs. Nigeria: Sunday, June 23, at 3 p.m. ET

Typically 10-goal victories are completely unexpected, but Spain’s 10-0 win over Tahiti on Thursday was anything but surprising. The talent gap was all too obvious, and the result was a match that left fans wondering how Tahiti even managed a goal against Nigeria.

But Spain can’t expect to dismantle Nigeria in the same fashion on Sunday. And having just faced a grossly inferior squad on Thursday, the Spanish side can’t afford to take it easy in hopes of resting their stars for the second stage.

Nigeria lost for the first time in 20 matches on Thursday—a loss that will no doubt leave the Nigerian side feeling they have something to prove. What better way to make a statement than by playing the spoiler role in Group B?

Nigeria still have plenty to play for. With a win over Spain, they make the match between Tahiti and Uruguay worth watching for several reasons. The Nigerian side are far from finished in the tournament, especially if Tahiti can somehow make things difficult for Uruguay.

For Spain to avoid a massive collapse on the heels of a historic blowout, they need to avoid walking away from this contest without a point in their pocket. But playing for one point is always dangerous against a team with a lot to prove.

Prediction: Don’t expect Spain to demolish their final opponent of the group stage. With everything to play for, Nigeria will make this match an exciting affair, coming up just short with a 2-1 loss on a Spain goal in the final 10 minutes.

Pride on the Line

Uruguay vs. Tahiti: Sunday, June 23, at 3 p.m. ET

Say what you will about Tahiti, but losing 10-0 to Spain on Thursday isn’t going to send them off with their heads down.

Tahiti isn’t on the same level as the rest of the tournament field—a 15-goal disadvantage through two matches makes that fairly obvious. When they take on Uruguay, however, that isn’t going to matter.

Uruguay is virtually guaranteed to come away from this match with three points, but they can’t expect Tahiti to make it easy. For Uruguay to advance, they need to remain focused against a Tahitian side with pride on the line. Overlooking an inferior opponent could prove to be a fatal mistake in the hunt for a spot in the second stage.

If Nigeria somehow manage to best Spain and Uruguay don’t play their best match against Tahiti, this contest could be remembered as a tremendous collapse for a side in much better position to come away with three critical points. The pressure is on Uruguay.

It’s going to take a monumental performance for Tahiti to even notch a goal against Uruguay, but no match is decided before it’s played. Tahiti have nothing to play for but pride, and that makes for a dangerous opponent when the pressure is on.

Prediction: Tahiti will find the net first with their second goal of the tournament and avoid another blowout loss in dropping a surprising 3-1 contest to Uruguay.