Host Brazil had reached the final Beating another South American Uruguay after Brazil’s winning goal came very late, from the head of Paulinho following a corner kick in the final moments. While Spain beat their European counter parth in dudden Death. The Selecao will do so with the knowledge that they now have nothing to lose and everything to gain from the final, having already far exceeded initial pre-tournament expectations.
"We achieved our goal of getting to the final and giving the players a sense of unity and the fans an idea that we have a good team that can get to the final of the World Cup,"Scolari said of his team's performance on Friday, via BBC.
Having entered the competition under a cloud, Brazil believes in their national side once more. Despite all the problems seen off the pitch, the yellow shirt has become a symbol of joy for the people once more.
Had they been able to choose their opponents, though, it is unlikely they would have ever chosen to face the might of Spain.
La Roja have been an all-conquering force in World Football for the past five years, with the 2009 Confederations Cup the one blot on their copybook in that time. Coincidentally, it was Brazil who clinched a third title on that occasion.
The motivation is there, then, for the team that has won virtually everything in the game. For many of the Spanish side, the Confederations Cup is the only trophy missing from their extensive collection.
As a fixture, pitting the hosts against the favourites, it could not get any bigger, and many will hope for a rematch at the same stage next Summer.
Among those excited by the prospect is Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who told reporters "The whole world wanted to see a Brazil-Spain final, and in the end the two teams who are there are the ones who deserve it.
"It's basically a curtain-raiser for the World Cup (next year), and everyone who loves football will agree that it should be a great match" he said, via Sambafoot.
The fixture should be a great clash for the neutral, as both sides seek to prove their point ahead of World Cup 2014. The stage is set, and now one of the two sides must lay down a marker ahead of next Summer's main event. Both teams, though, will be among the forerunners next year.
Click here to Watch Brazil Vs Spain FIFA Confederation Cup Final at Star Sports
Probable Lineups:
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Luiz Gustavo,Paulinho, Oscar, Hulk, Neymar and Fred.
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Pedro, Mata and Torres.
Recent form:
Brazil: Five wins. (WWWWW)
Spain: Five wins. (WWWWW)
Statistics:
Brazil would become the first team to win three successive Confederations Cup titles should they win. They currently lie level with France, who won back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2003.
Spain, meanwhile, are unbeaten in 29 competitive games (W24, D5) since their 1-0 defeat to Switzerland at the 2010 World Cup.
Brazil edge the head-to-head between the two sides, having won on four of eight occasions. Spain have managed two wins, while there have been two draws.
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