RIO DE JANEIRO: Holders Brazil were unchanged for Sunday’s Confederations Cup final in Rio against world champions Spain, who gave a start to Juan Mata.
Brazil are bidding for a third straight win in the competition and a fourth overall after 1999, 2005 and 2009, while world and double European champions Spain, in only their second appearance, have never won the title.
Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque, having experimented at Euro 2012 by playing without a recognised centre forward, elected to field an attacking line-up which included Fernando Torres as well as Barcelona’s Pedro and also Torres’ Chelsea clubmate and attacking midfielder Juan Mata.
The teams last met in competitive action at the 1986 World Cup and have only ever faced off eight times, Brazil winning four meetings and Spain two.
Teams
Brazil (4-3-3)
Julio Cesar; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva (capt), David Luiz, Marcelo; Oscar, Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho; Fred, Neymar, Hulk
Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari
Spain (4-3-3)
Iker Casillas; Alvaro Arbeloa, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba; Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta; Juan Mata, Fernando Torres, Pedro.
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