Brazil vs. Spain: What to Watch for in Elite Confederations Cup Final

Heading into the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, soccer fans across the globe anticipated a final clash between Brazil and Spain. There were certainly some choppy waters for both teams to traverse en route to the final, but they both managed to make it unscathed.

Spain is currently the No. 1 team in the world thanks to its incredible run in international play, but Brazil appears to be catching up. In addition to that, the Brazilian side will have the support of its home fans in its favor, so it can be argued that the Selecao is actually favored heading into the match.

Whatever the case, it promises to be one of the most exciting international matches of the year.

Here is everything you need to know about when and where to catch the epic final as well as which storylines to remain cognizant of.

Where: Estadio Do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When: Sunday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Brazil Vying for 3rd Straight Confederations Cup

Although Brazil hasn't had a great deal of success at the World Cup in recent editions, Verde-Amarela has owned the Confederations Cup.

Brazil has won the past two Confederations Cups and three times in all, so it's fair to say that the Brazilians are the team to beat every four years.

Despite its opponent, Brazil is once again the team with the target on its back, especially since it is playing in front of its home fans one year ahead of the World Cup.

It's tough to imagine a more evenly matched final, as Brazil and Spain play similar styles of soccer and are stacked with top-notch talent. Brazil needed a late goal to vanquish Uruguay in the semifinals, while Spain needed extra time against Italy before finally winning on penalties.

Not only is Spain likely to be a bit tired, since Brazil got an extra day of rest, but Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated put Brazil's Confederations Cup prowess quite simply.

Brazil's team is much different now than it was four years ago, as defender Dani Alves and goalkeeper Julio Cesar are the only returning players, but it seems like success at the Confederations Cup runs deep.

No team has ever won three consecutive Confederations Cups, but Brazil has a golden opportunity to accomplish that very feat.

Spain Looks to Extend International Dominance

The Confederations Cup is a tournament that has largely been unkind to Spain, but La Roja is hoping to put all of that in the past. At the same time, Spain can use its past as motivation to come out on top.

No team has had more success internationally over the past three years than Spain. Not only did Spain win the World Cup in South Africa back in 2010, but it also won the European Championship last year, so winning the Confederations Cup would be like winning a treble of sorts.

It can be argued that this treble would be even more impressive than the one that Bayern Munich of the Bundesliga won this year, though.

The Spanish national team has evolved over the past three years and players have come and gone, so keeping up this level of consistency and dominant play is something that cannot be praised enough.

Spain has never won a Confederations Cup and Sunday will actually mark its first appearance in the finals. Spain was among the top contenders four years ago, but it was shocked 2-0 in the semifinals by the United States, which Major League Soccer reminded fans of on Monday.

La Roja is a much different team than it was four years ago and it has learned how to win big matches since then. That doesn't guarantee Spain success against Brazil on Sunday, but there is no doubt that it is well-equipped to come away victorious.

Who Will Win the Golden Ball?

The Golden Ball is one of the most prestigious awards in international soccer, as it is given to the Confederations Cup's most outstanding player.

There is no shortage of potential candidates this year, particularly among the two teams that have reached the final. Players such as Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos have shined for Spain, while the likes of Neymar and Paulinho are up for the honor as well, according to Matt Davis of Goal UK.

The media's decision will likely come down to whichever team ultimately wins.

If Brazil comes out on top, it would be very difficult to vote against Neymar. The young, up-and-coming striker has been marvelous throughout the tournament, with three goals to his credit and a number of mystifying plays to boot.

Many soccer fans entered the tournament wondering what all the hype was about, but Neymar has proven himself and then some.

As for Spain, it is difficult to choose one player who has shined brighter than the others. The biggest reason for Spain's success in recent years is fantastic team play. That has been true in the Confederations Cup as well, so the entire team would deserve the Golden Ball if Spain is able to knock off Brazil.

With that said, a Brazilian player has won four out of the six Golden Balls awarded in the history of this tournament and this year could mark No. 5.

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