Brazil Wins Third Straight Confederations Cup with 3-0 Win Over Spain

Last June 30, Brazil did more than pull the rug underneath Spain’s feet. The team set records for itself, and destroyed some of Spain’s own.

The 2013 Confederations Cup is Brazil’s third since 2005, and its fourth in the entire history of the competition. This makes Brazil the team with the most number of Confederations Cups. Also, this is the 57^th consecutive home match since 1975 that the Canarinho have won—an impressive feat.

On La Roja’s part, this is their first competitive match defeat in three years. Spain had been on a roll since first battling Switzerland in the 2010 World Cup, and has never been defeated by 3 goals since April 1985. This makes Sunday’s loss humiliating for the Spaniards—to say the least.

La Roja was unable to stop either Fred or Neymar from giving their best shot, despite employing their usual tactic of ganging up on opposing scorers. All of Brazil’s goals were made during the first and last minutes of the match’s halves—which are critical times for scoring. Additionally, the red-and-yellow team paid dearly for fouls, one of which ejected Gerard Pique at the 68^th minute for tripping Neymar.

With this win, Neymar holds the Golden Ball, an award given to the tournament’s top player. The 21-year-old striker and his team, armed with a sense of confidence that only comes with defeating a football giant like Spain, now has their eyes on another prize: the 2014 World Cup.

Will Brazil replicate their 2013 Confederations Cup finals performance for the World Cup? Sound off in the comments section below. 

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2013 Confederations Cup Finale Preview: Spain vs. Brazil

It’s a match made in heaven: the defending champions versus the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2012 UEFA EURO Cup holders.

This may come as a surprise, but Spain seems at a disadvantage in the finals. La Roja barely escaped the clutches of Italy in the semifinals when the latter forced them into a penalty shoot-out. If it wasn’t for Leonardo Bonucci’s mistake, Gli Azzurri might’ve taken the victory.

Also, Brazil’s playing style could pose a problem for the Spaniards. Neymar and Co. are known for their creative yet fast-paced play, which makes up for the fact that they have a slighter build than the Europeans. The Canarinho will likely not allow the game to extend to a drama of penalties like Italy did.

Another point against La Roja is the gap in preparation time between them and the Brazilians. According to the FIFA website, midfielder Juan Mata admitted that playing twice a week for one year has “physically diminished” them, while Iker Casillas said that the match against Gli Azzurri was a wake-up call.

Should Brazil win the Maracana match on June 30, it will be their third straight Confederations Cup. As for Spain, they’ll improve upon their third place finish in the 2009 competition no matter what happens. 

Photo credit: Zimbio  

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Paulinho Brings Brazil To Confed Cup Finals

Brazil advances to the finals with Paulinho scoring the heroic goal on the 86th. The down the wire match ended with a 2-1 victory in favor of the Selecaos.

Sealed with a seemingly sarcastic kiss meant for La Celeste’s Alvaro Gonzalez, Neymar did the honors of throwing a free kick after Brazil earned a corner. With all precision and might, Paulinho defied the Uruguayan defence and converted.

The Brazilians took an early lead in the match. Paulinho’s through ball landed on the genius Neymar, but the determined Fernando Muslera denied the latter. Unfortunately for Muslera, the ball ended right in front of Fred, who took the winning shot and left the Uruguayans trailing.

La Celeste had their chance in the 14th minute. A foul fished by Diego Lugano sent Diego Forlan into the penalty. It could have been a sweet giveaway if not for Julio Cesar, who denied Forlan’s attempt.

Nevertheless, Uruguay was still, able to secure the equalizer. As the Selecaos’ defence crumbled, Edinson Cavani took advantage of the field ruckus and ensured that his low-footed shot touches the net.

Not wanting to disappoint the crowd, Scolari responded with substitutions. Bernard entered for Hulk while Hernanes replaced Oscar. The move gave Brazil the attacking strength that eventually turned the tables around.

With twenty (20) years of rivalry, Uruguay once again, failed to topple Brazil in the tournament.

Brazil heads toward Rio De Janeiro to wait for the winner in the Spain-Italy match. On the other hand, Uruguay shall have its bid for the third place battle in Salvador. 

Photo Credits: Zimbio

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Brazil vs. Uruguay (Semi-Finals)

The verdict of the FIFA gods is out: Brazil and Uruguay will face off for the first semi-finals match of the 2013 Confederations Cup. (The second semi-finals match will take place on June 27, local time, between Spain and Italy.)

Of the four semi-finalists, Uruguay is the team most likely to land in fourth place. It can be argued that the only reason coach Oscar Tabarez’s team made it this far is their clobbering of Tahiti 8-0, which isn’t saying much considering the Oceanic team’s record. To their credit, they were able to keep the dominant Spaniards at 2-1 even though they lost, which means that Brazil would be wise not to let their guard down on June 26 (local time).  

As for Brazil, they pretty much have a sure spot in the finals. The way their players move the ball around the court is beautiful to watch. Also, as seen in their last match against Italy, they have a knack for neutralizing saves from the opposing team’s goalkeeper. And they have Neymar, who just scored in three straight Confederations Cup matches and is set to join FC Barcelona.

Whoever wins in the other semi-finals match will determine whether Brazil will have their third straight Confederations Cup. If Italy wins, Brazil can quickly dispatch Gli Azzurri without much trouble like they did last time. If Spain will be their opponent, the June 30 match in Rio De Janeiro will be the epic match to end all epic matches. 

Prediction: Brazil wins

Photo credit: Fotos Gov/Ba (Neymar) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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Brazil Set To Meet Uruguay In Confeds Cup’s Semis

Brazil has plenty of reasons to celebrate its 4-2 win against Italy in the Confederations Cup. 

Dante scored his first competitive goal, Fred made his first double and with Neymar making his third strike, the battle in Salvador highlighted the Selecao’s strong bid for the silverware.

Several minutes before the half-time, Dante broke the seemingly long spell of failed attempts and defensive attacks, when he converted off of a piece situation and put Brazil on the lead on the 45th.

Italy responded with the combined efforts of Mario Balotelli and Emaneule Giaccherini. Giaccherini right footed shot has no intentions of wasting Super Mario’s backheel. Unfortunately for Gli Azurri, the equalizer ended with Balotelli nursing a strained thigh.

Amidst the possibility that the Italian striker may not see the semis, a Christian Maggio Foul sent football prodigy, Neymar into the penalty line. Unwilling to disappoint his supporters and the opportunity to take the lead, Neymar scored his third consecutive goal in the tournament.

The 66th minute of the match was almost a premonition for the Italians. Fred made his first goal in the match, only to be countered by Giorgio Chilellini on the 71st. Fred finally made his finishing touches with a right-footed shot that marked not only Brazil’s victory, but his first double.

Italy’s loss to Brazil was the first time that Gli Azurri conceded four (4) goals in the match.

As for Scolari and his men, the three (3) consecutive wins were no less than a morale booster. Prior to the tournament, the Selecaos’ scoring and style of play have been the center of issues and controversies. Yet, with its successive and deciding victories, naysayers can only watch in silence and glee.



Photo Credit: Zimbio

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2013 Confederations Cup Match Preview: Italy Vs. Brazil

Date: 23 June 2013 
Venue: Salvador

The verdict: Italy Bows Down To Brazil, 2-1

Brazil and Italy shall meet in a deciding match to vie for the top spot in Group A of the Confederations Cup. Both teams are already entering the semis. But with the Selecaos playing more comfortably at home, Brazil has all the edge to emerge as the group leader.

What the numbers tell
Gil Azurris and The Selecaos are tied with six (6) points each. However, Felipe Scolari’s squad has a better goal difference and will only need a draw to clinch the victory. This leaves Italy with several options. It goes either for a scoring rampage or save its energy for World Cup titleholder, Spain.

Neymar and Super Mario
Neymar and Mario Balotelli are impressive in their previous games. Neymar scored Brazil’s first two opening goals. Balotelli made two crucial shots for Italy. Both rose to the occasion and delivered. But Neymar has the scoring momentum.

Super Mario hardly passed through the Mexican defence and his scoring attempt materialized only along the sides of the penalty line. This does not disregard Balotelli’s goal contributions, but in this battle, he will be better off as a defender. Italy is in dire need to put a stop against Brazilian scorers.

Team form
Brazil won 4 out of 6 of their most recent matches while Italy never lost in their last 8 encounters (4 wins and 4 draws).

In terms of injury, only David Luiz suffers from an injury. The player broke his nose after going against Mexico. Luiz will still go against Italy wearing a protective mask.

Meanwhile, David De Rossi will not be seeing action in the upcoming match. De Rossi got two yellow cards during the team’s encounter against Japan.

It is hard to question Italy’s last performance. However, it is also true that Japan almost drained their energy. Fatigue may soon sink in. With the odds in its favor, Brazil will definitely take full advantage of every opportunity they have to secure this victory. 


Photo Credit: Zimbio

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Brazil Advances To The Semis, Neymar Did It Again

Neymar repeated history when he scored Brazil’s first goal against Mexico and rallied the Selecao’s 2-0 win in the Confederations Cup. The Brazilians are now ensured of a spot in the semis and will soon meet Italy after defeating Japan. 

The uprising young player opened the match with a bang when he volleyed a goal in the 9th minute. It was not the first time that the new Barcelona recruit made a grand opening for Brazil. The battle against Japan also witnessed Neymar’s spectacular shot.

Unfortunately, for Mexico, Brazil’s stellar player also knows how to execute a strong finish. Several minutes before the match ended, Neymar made a clearing for Jo and forcing the Mexicans to wave the white flag.

Brazil and Mexico had a long-standing rivalry that began when El Tri crushed the crowd-favorite Selecaos. As Scolari stressed the Olympic upset remained “fresh” in the player’s mind. Their most recent victory in one of the most prestigious football tournaments, served as  their sweet redemption over a snatched silverware last 2012.

On the other hand, Neymar cannot help but express his joy over their hard-fought triumph. The young striker was delighted in the squad’s impressive performance. He stressed the team’s “improvement” and “confidence” in reaching the final stretch of the tournament.

Brazil currently sits on the front row of Group A along with Italy. Both teams accumulated six (6) points after securing their consecutive wins.

Gil Azurris and The Selecaos will both advanced to the semis and battle for a top place in the group.


Photo Credit: Zimbio

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Brazil Kicks-Off A 3-0 Win Over Japan In The Confederations Cup

Host nation Brazil refused to lose in its own soil as it clinched a 3-0 win against the equally aggressive Japan last 16 June 2013.

Dubbed as the Confederations Cup’s “3rd fastest goal” football prodigy, Neymar scored the first goal of the match 3 minutes after the grand kick-off. The so-called “Messi’s heir” was eventually voted as Man of the Match.

Prior to the encounter, the young player has been under the scrutiny of naysayers due to his alleged lackluster performance in previous friendlies. Neymar, however, answered his critics via converting Fred’s pass with a right-footed shot.

Although Neymar’s goal was nothing short of being spectacular, Paulinho sealed Japan’s fate. The Selecao’s defensive midfielder secured 2 important goals. The first came in the 48th minute with Dani Alves’ help.  Japan’s Eiji Kawashima attempted a diving save, but to no avail. The ball simply passed through his hands. Paulinho’s deciding goal came after converting Oscar’s pass during injury time.

In 20 of Brazil’s Confederations Cup appearance, the squad has always emerged victorious whenever they scored the first goal. As a matter of fact, it has won 18 of the above-mentioned battles, whilst the 2 ended in a draw.

This is not the first time that Japan and Brazil met in competitive football. The two had their last encounter last 2005 where the Selecaos bagged a 4-0 win against the Samurai Blue. What transpired in Brasilia seemed like a mere repetition of their previous battle.

Scolari and his men are  now looking forward to continue their 9th undefeated consecutive win.  Their next match will be against Mexico on 20 June 2013.



Photo credit: Zimbio

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2013 FIFA Confederations Cup Match Preview: Brazil vs. Mexico

With two Latin American teams vying for the top spots in Group A, this should be a beautiful game in every sense of the word. The match will take place in Fortaleza on June 19, 16:00 local time.

Brazil should have little trouble making it to the top this year, considering that (1) they’re the defending Confederations Cup champions; (2) they’ve had enough time to prepare as hosts; and (3) they have plenty of talented players on board.

Conversely, the pressure’s on Mexico to keep up with its group mates: Brazil, Italy, and Japan. If Mexico can put up a good fight on June 16 against Italy, it will be perfectly poised to take on Brazil.

On an individual basis, both teams are evenly matched. Javier Hernandez could easily give Neymar a run for his money, as the latter shows great potential but has churned out inconsistent performances as of late.

Likewise, it can be argued that Mexico’s goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona was singlehandedly responsible for bringing the CONCACAF championship to his country, so the matchup between him and Brazil’s Thiago Silva and Julio Cesar would be a treat to watch.

Finally, we have Mexico’s midfielders Pablo Barrera and Andres Guardado versus Brazil’s Maurinho. Maurinho has a strength and stamina that’s uncommon in midfielders, and being under the radar most of the time, he can make deadly pot-shots at the goal when his Mexican counterparts least expect it.

In any case, expect this match to be one that only Latin Americans can deliver: clean yet fun to watch. Also, it may be a draw or a win in favor of Brazil on this one. 

Photo credit: Sergio Savarese from Sao Paulo City / Ipiranga, Brasil (Fotos Sergio Savarese (17)) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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