Confederations Cup 2013: Full Preview and Predictions For Each Semifinal Matchup

The group stage of the Confederations Cup produced plenty of excitement, but there wasn’t much surprise to speak of.

As expected, Brazil and Spain cruised through their first three matches of the tournament with little resistance, notching the top spots in their respective groups with nine points apiece.

Uruguay and Italy were also expected to traverse the group stage to secure a semifinals berth, though the disappearance of a struggling Mexican side certainly provided some intrigue in the opening round. The final two qualifiers posted six points each, Italy dropping a 4-2 contest to Group A winners Brazil and Uruguay falling 2-1 to Spain in early group stage action.

With the group stage now in the books, Brazil, Spain, Italy and Uruguay look ahead to semifinals matchups and a chance to secure the Confederations Cup title. Let’s preview the vitals of those matchups and also look some final predictions for each of the first two semifinal matches.

Brazil vs. Uruguay

Where: Estadio Mineirao; Belo Horizonte, Brazil

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

Television/Streaming: ESPN and WatchESPN

It’s hard to decide which semifinals tilt will be more exciting to watch. All four remaining squads boast tons of talent with the ability to make both matches must-watch affairs.

For Uruguay, that top talent comes in the form of a tremendous attack led by Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan—all of whom are capable of blowing a match wide open with their finishing ability.

Following their opening-match loss to Spain, Uruaguay went on a tear, netting 10 goals to one. While eight of those goals came against an overmatched Tahitian side that surrendered 10 scoring strikes to Spain, there’s no denying the talent it takes to score eight goals in any international match.

But Brazil countered with 21-year-old phenom Neymar, who proved he is worth the hype with a tremendous performance in the group stage. With three goals through three matches, Neymar will be the key to a Brazil victory.

While Uruguay certainly has the talent to beat Brazil on their home soil, it won’t be an easy task. The Brazilian side have been tremendous so far in the tournament, and only seem to be feeding off the support of their countrymen.

Expect a tremendous display of elite football, decided by one goal in favor of the home side.

Prediction: Brazil 4, Uruguay 3

Spain vs. Italy

Where: Estadio Castelao; Fortaleza, Brazil

When: Thursday, June 27, at 3 p.m.

Television/Streaming: ESPN and WatchESPN

The last time Spain and Italy met, Spain came away 4-0 winners in a match that was decidedly closer than the final score indicated.

Now, with a Confederations Cup finals berth on the line, Italy takes to Estadio Castelao with a lot to prove. After losing only to Group A winners Brazil (4-2) in the previous round, the Italian side should be ready for a terrific match against a very talented team.

Unfortunately for Italy, they enter this match short Mario Balotelli, who won’t return from a “muscular problem in his left thigh” in time to play against Spain, as noted by Football-Italia.net.

Spain has been the most impressive team through the tournament, demolishing Tahiti 10-0 and besting Nigeria 3-0 in a match that, by all accounts, was a sloppily-played affair by the Spanish side. For Italy to come away with a win on Thursday, they’ll need to play a tremendous match.

Look for Spain to continue their impressive Confederations Cup run with a berth in the finals after besting Italy handily in this semifinals clash.

Prediction: Spain 3, Italy 1