Confederations Cup 2013 Schedule: When and Where to Catch Sunday's Fixtures
Who said the Confederations Cup is meaningless?
While regarded as an afterthought in international football, the 2013 edition has given fans some captivating football. The semifinal between Spain and Italy was an entertaining match from start to finish. It looked like the final of the World Cup rather than the Confederations Cup.
As a result of Spain's win, they'll face off with Brazil in the final, while Italy are resigned to the third-place match against Uruguay. If Sunday's matches are anything like Thursday, this tournament will go out with a bang.
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Here's a look at the schedule for the Confederations Cup's final day.
Italy vs. Uruguay
This could be an interesting match.
Italy have looked very good at times and were arguably the better side against Spain, despite losing on penalties.
Uruguay, on the other hand, have been disorganized and failed to finish off some golden chances. Against Brazil, though, La Celeste were very strong at the back and gave little to the Selecao.
The Azzurri looked like they were about ready to keel over with fatigue against Spain. Their players expended so much in the semifinal, you wonder how much they'll have left against Uruguay. Playing in the afternoon won't help, either.
Oscar Tabarez has reason to be encouraged coming into the third-place match. Uruguay were an improved side against Brazil, and they should be able to exploit whatever fatigue Italy have.
What formation Cesare Prandelli utilizes will be a key storyline. Until the semifinal, he had been using a more common back four. However, playing three at the back was successful against Spain, as it clogged the midfield and allowed the Italians to press a lot more. It would be surprising to see him change.
If Italy can play like that again, Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan would have a hard time making an impact on the match. However, they might not be able to exert that kind of effort again.
This match will be another war of attrition for Italy. There will be some shots on goal, but both sides will struggle in the final third. Uruguay get the edge because they've had an extra day to rest.
Uruguay 2, Italy 0
Brazil vs. Spain
Might this be a preview of the 2014 World Cup final? Probably not, but it pits the hosts against the best team in the world. You couldn't have hoped for any better coming into the tournament.
Brazil have looked strong throughout the tournament. They had little trouble in the group stage but left it late against Uruguay.
Spain were also great in the group stage, but they probably should have gone out at the hands of Italy. Like the Azzurri, La Roja are coming into the final at a major disadvantage. Brazil were able to sit back and watch Spain go through a grueling 120-minute match.
Italy were able to really exploit Spain out wide. That's not good news considering Brazil have full-backs like Marcelo and Dani Alves who are very good going forward. On the wing, Luiz Felipe Scolari also has big-time playmakers in Neymar and Hulk.
Spain will start strong, but they're going to wilt as the match goes on. Brazil have a very good midfield that will be able to disrupt Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Plus, Fernando Torres looked poor against Italy, so there are question marks at the forward position as well.
Neymar and Paulinho will step up in a big way again and bring home the trophy, which will further ramp up the expectations at home for Brazil in 2014.
Brazil 2, Spain 1
