Confederations Cup 2013: Top 5 players to watch out for in the final

Spain and Brazil had to sweat it out in the semi-finals but as predicted, the two giants have made it all the way to the Confederations Cup finals to set up a clash that the world will be watching. The atmosphere of protest that has surrounded the tournament, threatened to disrupt the dress-rehearsal to the World Cup but come Sunday, it will be successfully completed with its most high-profile clash.

World Champions Spain had an easy road to the semi-finals as they topped their group ahead of Uruguay but their attacking flair hit a heavy road-block against Italy who put up unexpected resistance. Not only did Italy defend in numbers, they created a number of chances in the game and the result could have easily been different. The wake-up call came at the right time for Spain and they will be looking to correct some mistakes against Brazil.

Brazil’s road to the final has been lit up by the wonder-kid that Neymar is turning out to be. His displays were critical in the group stage and he did not disappoint in the semi-finals either. Uruguay, Brazil’s neighbours and old rivals, gave them a scare in the semi-finals as they equalized through Edinson Cavani after Brazil’s opener. Paulinho headed home Neymar’s precise corner to take Brazil to their third consecutive Confederations Cup final. The final will be a huge test for Felipe Scolari’s men as they face the La Roja juggernaut that has been unbeaten for 29 competitive matches now.

Here is a list of five players who can tip the scales in their team’s favor come Sunday: