Confederations Cup 2013 Schedule: Viewer's Guide to Semifinal Matches in Brazil

The competition at the 2013 Confederations Cup is about to amp up significantly. 

The group stage offered a mixed bag of results. Fans bore witness to fantastic matches such as Italy and Japan's nail-biting 4-3 battle, but also endured some real snoozers like Spain's 10-0 thumping of Tahiti. 

With the field cut down to the top four teams now, it should be quality football from here on out. 

Here's all the information you need to know to ensure you don't miss any of the semifinal action from Brazil. 

Brazil vs. Uruguay

When: Wednesday, June 26 at 3 p.m. ET

Where: Estadio Mineirao

Watch: ESPN

Stream: ESPN3

Key Question: Can Uruguay Slow Neymar?

Brazil's Neymar has been the biggest star of the tournament thus far. With three goals in three games and an assist to boot, his production has been a huge boost to the Brazilian side. 

Advancing past the group stage and heading to the semifinals, the question now becomes, can he continue his torrid goalscoring pace?

Uruguay has been in good form on the defensive side of things throughout the tournament. It allowed just three goals throughout its three games in group play. 

However, the team did struggle against the only team it faced with top firepower, giving up two goals against the Spaniards on 17 shots. 

The Brazilians will definitely be the favorite coming into this match. If Uruguay wants to pull off the upset, limiting Neymar's opportunity has to be top priority. 

Spain vs. Italy

When: Thursday, June 27 at 3 p.m. ET

Where: Castelao

Watch: ESPN

Stream: ESPN3

Key Question: Can Italy Overcome Loss of Balotelli?

In the premier matchup of the semifinals, Italy will try to topple the current No. 1 team in the world, Spain. 

Unfortunately for the Azzurri, the upset bid has become even more difficult, as CNN's Tancredi Palmeri has reported that Mario Balotelli is out of the matchup due to an injury:

Italy already comes into the semifinal with the least goals scored of the four teams left at just eight. Balotelli had two of those and is a key cog in the Italians' attack. 

Spain has been as dominant as expected, racking up a plus-14 goal differential in three games. The Azzurri will need to step it up in a big way if it wants to pull off the upset.