Brazil vs. Japan, 2013 Confederations Cup: Preview and TV schedule
The Confederations Cup gets underway on Saturday, when hosts Brazil will expect to kick things off with a bang by defeating Japan.
The Seleção struggled in that tournament and in friendlies in the two years following the last World Cup, leading them to bring in Luiz Felipe Scolari, the man who guided Brazil to the World Cup title in 2002. He’s expected to deliver the World Cup again, but before that, Brazil will want to show the world that they’re ready for that stage with a resounding Confederations Cup win.
Japan, the first team to qualify for next summer’s World Cup, should make for formidable opposition in the competition’s opener. They plowed through Asian qualifying and will have their sights set on a semifinal place in this competition.
Brazil injuries and suspensions
In doubt: Neymar
Japan injuries and suspensions
In doubt: Keisuke Honda, Yuto Nagatomo
Neymar has a slight nagging knee problem, while Nagatomo picked up a minor knock in the World Cup qualifier against Iraq. Honda sat out of that game. All three are expected to be available to start on Saturday.
Match date/time: Saturday, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Mane Garrincha national stadium, Brasilia, Brazil
TV: ESPN (U.S. - English), Univision (U.S. - Spanish), BBC 3 (U.K.), CBC (Canada)
Online: Watch ESPN (U.S.)
