FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Five players to watch out for as Brazil meet Japan

Inspite of the awkward status that the Confederation Cup holds in the list of FIFA events, one can expect the world to tune in when quality teams such as Spain, Italy, Uruguay and Brazil take the stage. It definitely helps the cause that there will be quality all around when we witness the first encounter of the Confederations Cup 2013 at the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha. The tournament will have a fitting opener when Brazil and Japan meet each other as both the teams have already qualified for the 2014 World Cup.

Both the teams set up in a similar fashion and come into the tournament on the back of a morale-boosting victory. Brazil, as defending champions, will definitely hold the upper hand, but Japan do have the ability in their ranks to spring up a rude surprise as 200 million Brazil fans watch on.

Whereas Brazil have an entirely new-look squad with Julio Cesar and Dani Alves being the only two players who were part of the successful Confederations Cup campaign in 2009, Japan retain a little more experience. Here is a look at five players who can influence the result of the match:

5. David Luiz

The Chelsea center-back/defensive midfielder has improved a great deal in the last year. His ability to initiate attacks from the back fits in perfectly with Felipe Scolari’s preferred alignment of the team. We are also acquainted with his ability to produce a magic moment with his left foot; that odd long range shot that can catch the goalkeeper unawares. His defensive abilities have been criticized at Chelsea, but he has been remarkably consistent with the national side. Expect him to play an important role in the game.