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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.
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.
4. Jordi Alba
The diminutive full back made an impressive start to his career with the national side and has become a regular fixture. He adds a different dimension to the tiki-taka mould of football that Del Bosque prefers. He has the ability to utilize his pace to get into goal-scoring positions and link up with the false number nine with his crossing abilities. He can participate equally well in their possession game, and is a delight on the ball.
3. Xavi
A key cog in the wheel for La Roja. Xavi has been the prominent member of this all-winning Spain side that shows great continuity and success. His renowned passing ability will be on exhibition once more as Spain dig into their reserves of patience to unlock the Uruguayan defense. He combines extremely well with his team-mates and is a leader on the pitch. He has been very vocal about Spain’s desire to win the Confederations Cup, and he will lead the pack as they hunt for it. Uruguay will have to ensure that they do their best to disrupt his distribution, otherwise Spain will take control of the fixture.
2. Andres Iniesta
The creative force of the Spanish juggernaut. He is of a different brand than the Messis and Ronaldos of the game. The magician is wriggle his way out of the most complicated defense line-ups by virtue of his vision on the ball. He can play the short-passing game relying on his off the ball movement, as well as successfully execute the long range visionary pass that creates a goal-scoring opportunity. He himself can burst forth to make it count with his trustworthy right foot. If his performance levels are high, we can see a decimation of Uruguay.
1. Luis Suarez
The unsettled Liverpool striker has kept all media reports at bay, and has gone about his business with the squad. He has scored 10 goals in the last 13 matches that he has played for Uruguay, eight of which came in the World Cup qualifiers. His tireless ability to run the channels, to magically escape out of tight spaces and create a goal out of nothing will be Uruguay’s X-Factor in the game. If the midfield can supply him with enough chances up front, this game might turn out to be an upset that many neutrals will be hoping for.
