Brazil v Spain Betting Preview
It is the final that most were projecting from the very start of the 2013 Confederations Cup, and the final that most neutrals wanted to see. The current European and World Champions get to have a crack at the mighty South Americans, who are trying to get into top gear ahead of next summer’s World Cup in their own back yard. With Spain’s winning habit in full flow, will the Brazilians be stop them?
Brazil v Spain Betting Odds at online bookmaker Ladbrokes
Brazil 6/4, Spain 7/4, Draw 23/10
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One of the stars of the 2013 Confederations Cup has unquestionably been Brazilian forward Neymar. The youngster, who will be lining up alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona next season, has scored some cracking goals and will be leading the line on Sunday. If Neymar scores the first or last goal of the game against Spain, then online betting site Ladbrokes will refund all losing bets placed on the Correct Score, First Goalscorer and Scorecast markets. This provides great coverage at Ladbrokes who offer up to three free £10 bets as a welcome bonus.
Brazil v Spain Recommended Bet:
It should be an incredible atmosphere at the Maracana on Sunday, as the dream final kicks off. Even before kick off, Brazil have some big advantages. They will have had an extra days rest, they are in their own back yard and will have the majority of the support behind them. Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has the nation going in the right direction after a miserable draw against England earlier in the year. They have the next big world star in the shape of Neymar and he has been carrying the creative burden up front. His strike partners aren’t living up to his standard though. Fred is largely immobile and Hulk has been anonymous, not scoring in his last nine international matches. However, as a unit, Brazil have scored 22 goals in their last eight matches.
They have scored at least twice in each of their last eight matches as well. They are not a world beating side yet, but they are a young side and showing promise of growth. The Brazilian flair is not all there yet, certainly not through the middle of the park, and there are defensive issues which need to be improved upon. But their biggest asset is pouring forward and not worrying about what is going on at the back. They are lining up a shot at their third Confederations Cup title in a row, and should they achieve it, they will be the first ever nation to do so. That has put them on a streak of 11 wins in their last 12 Confederations Cup matches. Will the advantages that they have translate into claiming the big scalp of the World Champions?
Vicente del Bosque’s men were pushed to the limit by Italy in their semi final, winning an incredible penalty shoot out 7-6. Spain have beaten all before them over the last five years and they go into the final on 29 competitive match unbeaten streak, with victories in 24 of them. The last time they lost was back at the 2010 World Cup in their opening group match against Spain. They have a massive winning mentality and they have looked the most composed team throughout the tournament. Even though tactically Italy were brilliant, the Spaniards still adapted to counter everything which was thrown at them. They will get stronger too, with Cesc Fabregas and Roberto Soldado back fit after missing the Italy match. Will the draining semi final have taken an edge off them? They may be able to control midfield, but Brazil do have the bigger firepower. But then Spain haven’t conceded in their last eight international knockout matches.
A fascinating match in prospect, but Spain’s versatility and adaptability may just win out on this one. Brazil don’t really have a plan B. The Spaniards can take the sting out of Brazil’s quick game and exploit the hosts. Worth backing Spain at 7/4 with online betting site Ladbrokes.
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In the Spain v Brazil head to head, it is Brazil who hold a 4-2 lead from eight meetings. They have only met once in the last twenty three years though, that being back in 1999 with a goalless friendly. Brazil haven’t lost a competitive home match since 1975.
Stat Attack
Brazil have won four of eight previous matches against Spain (W4, d2, L2)
Spain are unbeaten in their last 29 competitive matches
Spain haven’t conceded a goal in their last eight knockout matches
Brazil have scored at least two goals in each of their last eight matches
Spain have won their last three penalty shoot outs, scoring 15 of 17 attempts
