FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Spain vs Uruguay: Top five players to watch out for

Spain kick off their journey at the Confederations Cup against their most potent group rivals – Uruguay. While Spain enter the competition as reigning World Cup champions, Uruguay made their way into the event by virtue of their triumph at the Copa America. Both the teams will have a unique opportunity to become only the third team to have won all three major FIFA events if they emerge victorious this year. Spain come to the tournament with no less than that desire as they try to fill that irksome gap in their trophy cabinet that is otherwise full to the brim. Both the teams have quality in their ranks and the unpredictability of a cup fixture is such that one player can tilt the balance of the tie.

However, on form, Spain look to be the side to beat. They are on an unbeaten run of 25 competitive games, whereas La Celeste’s fortunes have dipped ever since their Copa America triumph. They have been struggling in their World Cup qualification group and Oscar Tabarez might have to take a few harsh decisions if they intend to put up a fight in this competition. They will be hoping that their star players step up their game at this critical juncture.

5. Edinson Cavani 

The Uruguay forward has been the talk of the town as he has been linked to a move to Real Madrid, Chelsea and many other clubs. On the other hand, he has often missed out in this Uruguay side with Oscar Tabarez preferring to play Diego Forlan just behind Luis Suarez. However, Forlan’s goal drought and lacklustre performances in the recent games for Uruguay have led to a shrill rise in the fans’ demands for his ouster. Therefore, Cavani’s name on the team-sheet is much more probable as Tabarez might give Forlan the slip. In another probable situation, the Uruguay coach might opt for a 4-3-3 formation with Forlan, Suarez and Cavani forming a dangerous troika up front.