Spain vs. Brazil: Unheralded Players Who Will Shine in Confederations Cup Final

The highly anticipated matchup between Spain and Brazil in the Confederations Cup final will be decided by a few lesser-known players. 

There are certainly plenty of superstars with the ability to control the outcome of the match, from Neymar to Andres Iniesta and more. However, it takes an entire roster to win a competitive battle like this one.

Spain learned that lesson in its last match when Jesus Navas was asked to make the game-winning penalty shot against Italy and came through. 

This battle will be no different, as a number of talented players will finally get the credit they deserve after a big showing in the final. These men have been overshadowed in this tournament so far, but they will come through in the next match.

Juan Mata, Spain

Despite being one of the top midfielders in the English Premier League, Juan Mata only has a bit role on this loaded squad.

In the Confederations Cup, the Chelsea man has generally been used as a late sub to bring in some offense. He should expect to see a similar role against Brazil and should get about 20-30 minutes of action.

However, he has the ability to truly make an impact in that time. Mata's vision will allow him to find teammates around the net, and he could help his side get a late goal.

Although there are more high-profile players on the roster, this talented player could make a huge impact with a go-ahead goal in the final minutes.

Pedro, Spain

After being a secondary scoring option behind Lionel Messi with Barcelona, Pedro fills a similar role for Spain. Of course, Fernando Torres is nowhere near the consistent threat that Messi is, and he will need more help going forward.

Torres does have five goals in this tournament, but four of them came against Tahiti in what was basically a practice for Spain. 

Pedro must be a bigger contributor after being relatively passive throughout the first four matches. He has been afraid to take shots, but he needs to be aggressive when he has a chance to score against Brazil.

The forward has played extremely well in World Cup qualifying; he simply needs that to carry over into this championship as well.

Marcelo, Brazil

Like most of the Brazil roster, Marcelo is a young player who has been quite impressive during the Confederations Cup. The left back has maintained solid positioning on the defensive end with the pace necessary to stick with the better offensive players in the world.

If he can remain disciplined against Spain, he will be doing a huge part in keeping the match low-scoring.

Additionally, Marcelo has also shown the ability to play a big factor on the offensive end. He has made some impressive crosses throughout the tournament, and they have dramatically improved Brazil's offense.

Look for him to give his team plenty of opportunities with perfectly placed crosses in the upcoming match. 

Oscar, Brazil

This tournament has been a coming out party of sorts for 21-year-old midfielder Neymar, who has three goals and two assists in four matches.

However, Oscar is the same age as his teammate, and he has been a big part of the team's success to this point.

The midfielder is incredibly quick in space and can beat most defenders with the ball. That will come up big against Spain as his side looks to control as much possession as possible.

Although Oscar is not much of a goal scorer, he has the ability to lead an attack near the net and has a good chance of helping his side get on the board.

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