Brazil vs. Uruguay: Stars Who Will Shine in Marquee Confederations Cup Semifinal

Expectations were incredibly high for the Brazilian national soccer team heading into the Confederations Cup due to the fact that they are playing on their home turf. Brazil certainly hasn't disappointed to this point as it has reached the semifinals with an undefeated record, but Uruguay won't go quietly.

The Uruguayan side boasts one of the most dynamic attacks in the world, which means that there are sure to be some fireworks during their semi-final encounter. Both Brazil and Uruguay pride themselves on playing an exciting brand of soccer and putting the ball in the back of the net, so it promises to be an exciting match.

Here are three superstars competing in the match who will rise to the occasion and turn in strong performances in an effort to reach the Confederations Cup final.

Neymar

It can be argued that 21-year-old Brazilian phenom Neymar is a bit over-hyped due to his recent performances as well as his transfer to Barcelona, but there is no question that the kid has delivered on the big stage at the Confederations Cup. Neymar is essentially carrying the weight of a nation on his shoulders, as Canarinha supporters expect him to lead Brazil out of its slump at the international level of play.

Neymar has answered the bell thus far to the tune of three goals in three matches. Neymar has scored in a myriad of different ways already, as he has done it during the flow of play and even scored on a gorgeous free kick against Italy. His playmaking skills have been on display as well, so there is plenty to like about what he has accomplished already. If all of that isn't enough to fully describe his involvement in the matches, WhoScored.com presented an interesting Neymar stat.

Obviously Neymar will have to cut down on the fouls moving forward, but the fact that he has fouled and been fouled so many times means that he is engaged and always around the ball. That will have to be the case against Uruguay as possession is key. Uruguay has the horses necessary to upset Brazil, but Neymar will truly be the deciding factor.

Luis Suarez

Things have been quite tumultuous for Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez from a club perspective, as he is hoping to broker a move from Liverpool to Real Madrid, according to David Maddock of Mirror Football. For as well as Suarez has performed at Anfield, controversy always seems to find him and he has often brought it upon himself. Whenever he plays for his country, however, none of those things seem to be a factor.

Suarez has been brilliant through three matches at the Confederations Cup and he has arguably been Uruguay's best player. Suarez has three goals through three matches and he has been a force even aside from his goal-scoring prowess. Lighting up Tahiti may not be the greatest accomplishment, but he netted two markers after coming on as a substitute during Uruguay's 8-0 win over the Oceanic representative, according to Liverpool FC.

Uruguay has so many great players up top, including Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan and others, that it is difficult for one to stand out above the rest. Suarez is playing like a man who has something to prove, though, so he will be a very dangerous player in this match. If Uruguay is going to pull off the upset, Suarez must be at his best.

Marcelo

With so many great attackers in this match, it's easy to forget about the defenders. Marcelo has played tremendously for Brazil over its first three matches in the Confederations Cup. Marcelo is really only a defender in title, though, as he constantly joins the attack and often starts some threatening runs on behalf of his teammates. Activating from the back line is Marcelo's specialty and it adds another dimension to Brazil's attack.

Marcelo was particularly impressive against Italy, as he was a huge part of Verde-Amarela's offensive pressure. His passing has been phenomenal, especially when he found Fred between two Italian defenders with a pinpoint lob over the top. Brazil has plenty of players capable of finishing and Marcelo's main job is to find them in dangerous scoring positions.

He has done that quite well thus far in the tournament and it is something that must continue against Uruguay. Since Uruguay may very well have more explosive offensive players than Brazil, it is incumbent upon players like Marcelo to step up. If he plays like he did against Italy, Uruguay will be sent packing in all likelihood.

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