FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Five players to watch out for when Spain face Nigeria

Nigeria will have a tough task ahead of them as they face world champions Spain in the last group stage fixture for both the teams. Nigeria need a win against Spain to qualify for the semi-finals, given that Uruguay will surely pick up a win against Tahiti. Spain are unlikely to relent and may recall some of their top players that they rested against Tahiti. Nigeria, on the other hand, are in a spot of bother after their star striker Nnamdi Oduamadi was withdrawn at halftime with an injury against Uruguay that may sideline him for this key fixture. It remains to be seen who gets the nod for the no.9 position in the Spanish formation as David Villa, Fernando Torres and Roberto Soldado all remain in contention.

Nigeria will be hoping that they can spring a rude surprise against Spain, but they will have to disrupt Spain’s possession and that is a very difficult task. La Roja enjoyed 71% of the possession against Uruguay. The Super Eagles will have to ensure that they do not break down in defense and take their half-chances in front of goal. They will look back to their last competitive game against Spain which saw them come out victorious with a surprise 3-2 win in the 1998 World Cup. However, history is unlikely to repeat itself at Estadio Castelao. If Spain win this fixture, they will meet Italy, who were defeated by Brazil in the last of their group fixture in a thrilling encounter, in the semi-finals .

Here is a list of five players who will influence the eventual fate of the match:

5. Ideye Brown

In the absence of Nnamdi Oduamadi, Ideye Brown is likely to keep his place in the side in spite of an underwhelming performance against Uruguay. The striker had a number of opportunities in that game to put his team in front, but failed to do so. That included an abysmal attempt from a free kick 20 yards from goal and a number of missed aerial chances. The striker does have a bit of fire in his belly as he is constantly working on the pitch and can bamboozle defenders in one-on-one situations with quick feet. He will have to pick up the half-chances against Spain and make sure that he is not played out of the game.

4. Roberto Soldado

Spain are still unsettled about who their No. 9 will be going into the semi-finals, but Roberto Soldado seems to head the race. He might be chosen ahead of David Villa and Fernando Torres against Nigeria, and a good performance will seal his place for the semi-finals at least (if Del Bosque does not go back to his ‘false no. 9′ plan, which is not an improbable situation). The Valencia striker has not put a foot wrong in this competition so far as he looked the part against Uruguay.

3. Cesc Fabregas

The Barcelona midfielder was surprisingly good against Uruguay and received an overwhelming ovation from the crowd when he was substituted in the 64th minute in that game. He did not have a brilliant year with Barcelona last season, but he seemed determined on the night. He has not been an undisputed fixture in this Del Bosque side, but it is about time that he won regular caps with the Spanish side on the ground of his consistent displays. Playing as a part of three-man forward line, Fabregas plays a fluid role. He can make that trademark stunning lofted pass to set up Soldado or get into goal-scoring position himself latching onto the service from Iniesta.

2. Mikel John Obi

The midfielder put up a disappointing show against minnows Tahiti, but was in his element against Uruguay. Celebrating his 50th appearance for the Super Eagles, the midfielder contributed with a rare goal, but was most significant in his role as the play maker for the team. His distribution was good and he picked up the loose passes made by Uruguay. He will be challenged against La Roja as they monopolize possession. It will be interesting to see the contribution he can make to the game as Spain will definitely try to quell his presence on the pitch to suppress Nigeria.

1. Andres Iniesta

The Barcelona man is not considered to be the best midfielder in the world for no reason. He was incredibly sharp against Uruguay and penetrated the Uruguay defense with perfect ease. He was the origin of almost all of Spain’s offensive moves, and he threw in an occasional dribble to entertain the crowds. He seems to be calling out for a challenge, and Nigeria will perhaps not offer a significant one. If he is allowed to dictate play once again, he will end Nigeria’s campaign in a short span of this game.