Confederations Cup 2013 Schedule: Complete Info for Brazil vs. Spain

Fans will be treated to an excellent matchup in the Confederations Cup final as Brazil hosts Spain.

Not only will this match feature two of the best teams in the world, but many of the top players in the sport will be on display in this battle.

Spain features the veteran talent of Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Ramos and more, while Brazil counters with younger stars Neymar and Oscar. Of course, veterans like Fred and Thiago Silva still contribute at a high level as well.

Anyone who enjoys the sport should make sure to tune into this contest. Here is everything you need to know heading into the tournament final.

Where: Estadio do Maracana, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

When: Sunday, June 30

Time: 6 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN (coverage starts at 5:30 p.m. ET)

Live Stream: ESPN3

How They Got Here

The Confederations Cup is a smaller tournament compared to other international events with only eight teams competing. It features the winners of each region, although these two teams qualified in other ways.

Brazil enters the tournament as the host squad, while Spain gets an automatic bid as the reigning World Cup champs.

Fortunately, these two sides were separated in the group stage, because they were dominant to start the competition. Each team won all three matches in the preliminary portion before moving onto the semifinals.

In the knockout stage, Brazil had a bit of a tougher time against Uruguay before getting the game-winning goal by Paulinho in the 86th minute.

Spain had an even bigger challenge against Italy, who kept the match scoreless for 120 minutes of play and extra time. It was not until Jesus Navas scored the final penalty kick that the squad was able to advance to the final.

Now the two teams will have to face the most difficult opponent they will see in this tournament: each other.

Individual Battle to Watch: Julio Cesar vs. Iker Casillas

Although these two players will be nowhere near each other on the pitch, the battle between the goalkeepers is likely to decide the match.

As good as each defense is, the offensive attacks are certain to be better in this match than either stopper has seen at the Confederations Cup so far.

Players like Neymar and Fernando Torres are incredibly skilled at putting the ball where they want to around the net, and it will make it incredibly difficult for Cesar and Casillas to keep a clean sheet.

The key for both men will be to do what is necessary to get a hand on the ball on a tough shot, and make sure they secure possession on easier ones. 

Small mistakes in this competitive match can end up deciding the winner.

Statistic to Watch: Time of Possession

Each side in this match has a distinct style of holding onto the ball as long as possible. The midfield waits for the opponent to make a mistake and then works to get a good look at the net before firing a shot.

Against Italy, Spain had the ball for less than usual, and the team was unable to score throughout the match. This same thing could happen to Brazil when it faces a strong midfield.

While both teams would like to have possession for over 60 percent of the match, this number will probably be unattainable. However, the side that is able to control the pace and dictate what is happening will be more successful in the final.

Prediction: Spain 2, Brazil 1

Brazil will get a huge boost from the home crowd, but it might not be enough to pull off the upset in this match. Spain has the talent and experience to control the match and do what is necessary to get the win.

The first half will likely have little action as the two teams feel each other out. However, things will pick up after intermission with each side being more aggressive.

After Brazil is able to sneak a goal past Casillas, Spain will take over and get the next two to earn a victory in a hostile environment.

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