Brazil vs. Spain Predictions: How Confederations Cup Final Will Play out

Spain feels ripe for a rare letdown in the championship of the Confederations Cup on Sunday, in what will be a hostile setting at the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. 

After slipping to No. 22 in the world rankings, Brazil has been delighting their home fans in this Confederations Cup with scintillating offense and defense that has fans on the doorstep to delusions of World Cup grandeur.

Should Brazil topple the global soccer bully that is their Spanish opponent, the Selecao will hurtle their fanbase headlong through that door and into a blissful state of hope and celebration.

I believe that is exactly what Brazil will do on Sunday, and here is how I see it playing out. 

Neymar Will Put the Maracana Into a Frenzy

Everyone has known of Neymar's prodigious talent for a while now, but this Confederations Cup has really been his coming-out party.

Up until this tournament, Neymar's international performances for the senior team had left something to be desired.

Of course, the entire Brazil attack had been misfiring. Well it is clicking now and no one is shining brighter than Neymar. He's been magnificent, tallying three goals and two assists in this tournament. 

He will add to that goal total early in this one. 

While Spain slid past Italy in penalties, they weren't exactly a vision of dominance. They were outplayed for the majority of regulation time and looked a touch fatigued. As a result, Italy was able to get off 13 shots.

Spain is going to be even more fatigued after that grueling match, and Brazil has had one more day of rest anyway. 

All of this will lead to some sloppy play early on, and Neymar is going to make them pay with a big goal that gets the stadium roaring. 

Spain Will Control the Middle of the Match

While there is no doubt Spain will be battling fatigue, I don't think anyone expects this proud and talented team to roll over. After Brazil starts with an early explosion, Spain will settle in, make their customary smart and accurate passes, and control possession. 

This will frustrate the explosive Brazil side and lead to some sloppy play on their end as well. However, the Brazilians will bend but not break. 

Brazil has been playing some solid defense of their own. They have surrendered just three goals, and most recently allowed a talented Uruguay attack just seven shots. 

Brazil will thwart all attempts by Spain and take a 1-0 lead past the 70th minute. 

Brazil Will Provide the Big Finish and Win, 2-0

With Spain getting desperate for a goal and fatigue setting in even further, they will lose all control. They will have to get more aggressive to find an equalizer, and Brazil will make them pay at least once. A two-goal lead will be all that is needed to erase the suspense over the outcome. 

While my final prediction is 2-0, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Brazil add a third. Once it becomes clear Spain's chances of coming back have fled from the building before the match's conclusion, the tired Spaniards will find it difficult to stay focused.

Meanwhile, Brazil will be reveling in the joy of putting a rough patch of play into the past with some nice international hardware.

The last five to 10 minutes of this match will be a celebration and a chance for Brazil to firmly announce they need to be considered one of the favorites at the World Cup they are hosting next year.