Brazil v Spain: World champions must be backed

A Brazil versus Spain Confederations Cup final caused few eyebrows to raise, but the price of the World and European champions to triumph in the Maracana might do.

The Spanish are on offer at 7/4 with Ladbrokes, making them outsiders against the hosts who are 6/4 shots with the draw at 23/10.

A penalty shootout against Italy was the only game in which the Spaniards have been tested in this tournament thus far. Yet, even so, they didn’t concede a goal and had as many chances to win the game as the Azzuri when the match was in play.

With one goal against and 15 for (10 of which can possibly be negated having come against Tahiti) Spain look pretty formidable and, despite the air of unimportance attached to the competition, they have not been found wanting in the effort department.

Nor have Brazil, but they haven’t been anywhere near as sturdy as their next adversaries. A 3-0 win over Japan was a touch flattering, while Italy and Uruguay carved a few holes in their backline during in the final group game and semi final respectively.

Whether Brazil’s attacking prowess will be strong enough to perforate the Spanish defence stands to serious question, so backing an underdog win to nil could be the way to go.

Not only does it stand a great chance of copping, it pays out at a princely 19/5.

The past six renewals between these two nations have seen either one or both sides keep a clean sheet which adds more weight to this punt, while it also heaps appeal on backing just one or neither team to find the back of the net at 1/1 too.

Goals are served up at a premium during these duels too, with only one of the same six games crossing the 2.5-goal mark. Despite the obvious attacking riches that will be taking to the field in Rio de Janeiro, punting on the unders at 4/5 could be a safe way to generate some profit.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date