Neymar: Spain are favourites

Rio de Janeiro - Neymar has insisted that Spain are favourites to defeat Brazil in Sunday’s Confederations Cup final at the Maracana stadium.

But the 21-year-old vowed Brazil would not fall into the trap of only defending against the reigning World and European Champions.

“The Spain team is the best in the world. They are the favourites,” Neymar was quoted as saying by Xinhua Friday. “But we have to play our own game respecting them, but also without letting them take control. We can’t be afraid to take risks.

“Sunday is going to be a historic day. The whole world is going to be watching. Everybody, even the players, wanted this match.”

Neymar is among the favourites to win the player of the tournament award, having scored three goals and set up several others.

He admitted he could barely wait for Sunday’s match to begin.

“When the match between Spain and Italy (on Thursday) finished, I said to Thiago Silva that I wished the final could be played tomorrow. The wait is difficult.”

When asked about his thoughts on Spain’s team, Neymar replied: “We have a lot of respect for them and admiration. But we have a lot of confidence in one another. I admire Spain’s players but I also admire our players. I remember watching Fred score lots of goals when I was younger.”