Preview and result prediction for final game between Brazil vs Spain for FIFA Confederations Cup

The national soccer team for Brazil will play the final against Spain on Sunday June 30, 2013 (6/30/2013) for FIFA Confederations Cup at 6:00 PM (New York time).

At this moment Brazil has an official FIFA ranking of 22, and Spain is 1 in world ranking.

Brazil comes from playing previous games against Mexico (FIFA ranking 17) on 6/19 in which they won 2-0, Italy (FIFA ranking 8) on 6/22 where they won with a final score of 4-2, and last game played against Uruguay (FIFA ranking 19) on 6/26 in which Brazil won with a final score of 2-1.

The next scheduled games for Brazil will be against Switzerland (FIFA ranking 14) on 8/14, Portugal (FIFA ranking 6) on 9/9.

Spain comes from playing previous games against Tahiti (FIFA ranking 138) on 6/20 in which they won 10-0, Nigeria (FIFA ranking 31) on 6/23 where they won with a final score of 3-0, and last game played against Italy (FIFA ranking 8) on 6/27 in which Spain tied with a final score of 0-0, but won the game in penalties by a score of 7-6.

The next scheduled games for Spain will be against Brazil (FIFA ranking 22) on 6/30, Ecuador (FIFA ranking 10) on 8/14, and against Finland (FIFA ranking 84) on 9/6.

Diario Palm Beach predicts that Spain will defeat* Brazil in this match.

Score Prediction:

Spain 2-1 (40.6%)

Spain 3-2 (30.5%)

Spain 1-0 (16.3%)

Spain 4-3 (10.2%)

Other results (4.1%)

Spain beats Italy 7-6 on PKs to reach Confed final

FORTALEZA, Brazil (AP) -- Jesus Navas scored the decisive penalty kick after Leonardo Bonucci sent his attempt over the crossbar, and Spain beat Italy 7-6 in a shootout after a 0-0 tie Thursday night to reach the Confederations Cup final against Brazil.

In a draining match on a night of heat and humidity, Italy's Emanuele Giaccherini hit a post in the 93rd minute and Azzurri goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon deflected Xavi Hernandez's kick off a post in the 115th.
''We were lucky in the penalty shootout,'' Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. ''It was a very difficult match for us. ... It was a marvelous team effort by both teams. It was a clean and sporting match that was played under very difficult climatic conditions.''

Spain, winner of the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, will play Brazil on Sunday at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium for the title in the World Cup preparation tournament.

''Now we have to consider what we have to do in the three days to recover,'' Del Bosque said. ''We will definitely stand up to Brazil in the Maracana. The players should feel as happy as kids playing in the Maracana. They have won a lot, but they want to win in the Maracana.''

The 35-year-old Buffon and 32-year-old Iker Casillas, among the world's elite goalkeepers for more than a decade, exchanged handshakes with English referee Howard Webb before the shootout and then hugged each other.

With Italy shooting first, Antonio Candreva, Alberto Aquilani, Daniele De Rossi, Sebastian Giovinco, Andrea Pirlo and Riccardo Montolivo all converted their kicks for the Italians.

Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Juan Mata and Sergio Busquets made their kicks for Spain.

After Bonucci failed, Buffon dove to his right and Navas sent the kick past his outstretched arm.
Spain beat Italy 4-0 in last year's Euro final and defeated the Azzurri 4-2 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 tie in the 2008 Euro quarterfinals.

''We played a great match. We created and we conceded but we were always in the match,'' Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said. ''They're still ahead of us but we're improving.

''In these conditions, between absences and fatigue, it's nearly impossible to go all the way, but the guys really moved me.''

Italy, missing injured Mario Balotelli, dominated the first half. Spain, without injured Cesc Fabregas and Roberto Soldado, settled down and bolstered with the second-half insertion of Navas and Mata, wound up with 54 percent possession and a 19-13 advantage in shots.

Italy will face Uruguay in the third-place match in Salvador, also Sunday.

Before kickoff, about 5,000 anti-government protesters battled police about 1 mile from the stadium.

These were the latest in a series of nationwide protests that have hit Brazil since June 17. Demonstrators, expected to turn out again Sunday, are angered about corruption and poor public services despite a heavy tax burden. Protesters also are denouncing the billions of dollars spent to host the World Cup and the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Neymar rubbishes Lugano diving claims

Neymar has strongly refuted claims of diving from Diego Lugano after Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Uruguay on Wednesday. 

The Selecao recorded a 2-1 victory over their South American rivals in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup thanks to goals from Fred and Paulinho, either side of an Edinson Cavani strike, to reach the final of the competition for a third consecutive time. 

But the Barcelona forward was unhappy with comments made by Uruguay defender Lugano prior to the game after he claimed that the former Santos player was guilty of diving.

"He who has a mouth speaks what he wants. This will not hurt me. What matters to me most is to help my teammates and the team win," he told reporters. 

The 21-year-old then acknowledged just how close the contest was, with nerves appearing to get the better of Brazil in the early stages of the game in front of an expectant Belo Horizonte crowd.

“It was typical of a semifinal game. We managed to control the game. We knew it would be hard but we got the win and that was the most important thing," he added. 

Brazil striker Fred was also in high spirits after his side’s victory and defended Neymar over accusations of simulation.

"The Uruguayans talked a lot before the game, some [Lugano] attacked Neymar. We beat them on the pitch, and that's our answer," he told reporters after the match. “Criticism? As I always say, I only respond on the pitch, but the crowd today was great with me. It was amazing.”

Lugano: Neymar likes to fool referees

The defender hit out at the new Barcelona signing ahead of Uruguay's clash with Brazil and warned his teammates not to be fooled by him.

Uruguay captain Diego Lugano has stoked the flames ahead of his side’s Confederations Cup semifinal against Brazil by labeling Neymar a player who likes to con referees.

The 32-year-old also hit out at the playing style of Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side in what was a controversial press conference ahead of the clash in Belo Horizonte.

"Neymar is lightweight – he falls to the ground and fools the referee,” Lugano told reporters. “He can feign a foul and we must be watchful that nobody is fooled by his ability. The Chilean ref assignment is a coincidence. He will be under bigger pressure - I just hope he makes no mistakes. 

"Brazil has abandoned its beautiful football style. They now hit people. It is a tough team and it is tactical.”

Uruguay goes into the all-South American clash as the underdog but Lugano remains hopeful his side can cause an upset and go on to face either Spain or Italy in the final.

"Our history shows we can fight well in tough matches. We have brought Uruguay's team back to where it should be," he said. “We have the right to dream of beating Brazil. They are evolving well, but we have the football that allows us to dream. We know each other well. We are proud to play this game against Brazil, plus potentially Spain or Italy."

Uruguay's team bus was delayed getting to the press conference and the defender was asked to comment on how well he felt Brazil's infrastructure had coped with hosting the event one year from the World Cup.

"Brazil is a large country with lots of traffic in big cities, that's just the way it is. I respect that," Lugano said. "We have been well received here, although there were logistical issues in Recife, with the training facilities far from the hotel."

Official: Napoli signs Dries Mertens from PSV

Napoli has agreed a 9.5 million euro fee with PSV to complete the signing of winger Dries Mertens.

The Belgium international has been capped 19 times, and will become Rafael Benitez’s first signing since being appointed as the Partenopei boss.

The playmaker scored 16 goals and created a further 17 in the Eredivisie this season and is excited to take the next step in his career. 

“Rafael Benitez wanted me really badly and that gives me a lot of confidence. And when people doubt me and say Serie A is different from the Eredivisie because I won’t play against any Dutch defenders, that is when I’ll be at my best,” he told De Telegraaf.

Mertens spent the past two seasons with PSV, scoring 37 goals in 62 appearances.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed the signing through his Twitter feed. 

“I am happy to tell you that a few minutes ago I closed the deal with PSV for Dries Mertens," he tweeted.

“In the last few days Dries has been in Naples. He told me that he fell in love with our city, with its greatness. Welcome Dries!”

Cristiano Ronaldo's Move to Manchester United Would be Great for Premier League

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the two best soccer players on earth no matter how you slice it, may be on the market this summer, and one of his most-rumored suitors is also one of his once-jilted teams.

Manchester United has long been linked to re-acquiring Ronaldo, who played for the Red Devils from 2003-09 before making the switch to La Liga. And now, according to the Daily Star, those talks might be getting closer and more specific—potentially even involving United stalwart Wayne Rooney:

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have been linked to a sensational £90million swap deal between Man United and Real Madrid.

Ronaldo would cost a cool £60m and his return to the club where he made his superstar name would delight the faithful.

It would also soften the blow of losing such an icon as Rooney, who has two years left on his current United deal.

Let's ignore, for now, the impact of losing Rooney and focus of the man being acquired.

Though Ronaldo's return would be divisive for many reasons, the pros seem to outweigh the cons. Bringing Cristiano to Manchester would be like bringing LeBron to the Lakers or Albert Pujols (circa 2009) to the Yankees. Even soccer-hostile SportsCenter wouldn't be immune to the story's allure; it would be a media spectacle the likes of which England has rarely seen.

Though not always the case, the media attention focused on United would be a good thing. It's a time of change at Old Trafford: They'll have a new manager for the first time since 1986 after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, and with Rooney one foot out the door, the on-field face of their franchise would need a replacement as well.

What's the best way to avoid talking about what you've lost? Divert attention to the shiny new toy that you acquired!

Ronaldo would give United fans immediate hope in the wake of losing their incredible knight/manager. Here is a striker that has scored 50-plus goals in three straight club seasons, a man capable of playing both within the bounds of a team, but also of taking over by himself. With a top-two player in the world donning the famous red jersey, it hardly matters which man is donning the suit and tie on the sideline.

Acquiring Ronaldo would have a major impact on English soccer as a whole, too. The Premier League is in desperate need of an image overhaul, especially after this year's Champions League. The All-German final was preceded by an All-German-and-Spanish semis, a two-country showdown that England missed out on entirely.

But that's not the worst of it. The quarterfinal round, soccer's elite eight, was also without a team from the Premiership. Relative underlings like Malaga from Spain or Galatasaray from Turkey made it further than any team from England. Manchester United and Arsenal both ducked out one round earlier while Chelsea and Manchester City didn't even make it past group play.

Manchester United is always a contender in the Champions League, but adding Ronaldo to the mix would make them an instant favorite. The narrative next year would be less about "whether England can redeem last year's failings," and more about "whether Cristiano can lead United back to glory." See the difference there? The whole league could spin a positive story in place of a negative one.

It could spare itself, and all of its entrants in next year's Champions League, the added pressure of having to vindicate its country. The clubs could just go out there and play—it's what they do best, after all, is it not?

Intrinsically, Ronaldo's addition might cause a small shift in the balance of power. United, for those who don't know, did run away with the league crown in 2013, finishing 11 points clear of second-place Manchester City. There's a chance this would only make the rich richer, that it would be adding a veritable fortune to Warren Buffet's bank account.

But the Premier League has bigger extrinsic problems than intrinsic ones. Still the world's deepest league, and still the world's most popular league, domestic issues are not their primary concern. Until one team's domination affects ratings and attendance, it isn't a real problem at all.

The Premier League's problem is that despite being deeper and more popular, it is no longer considered better than the world's other divisions. One down year in the Champions League is enough to do five bad years-worth of damage.

La Liga has already gotten stronger with Neymar's move to Barcelona this summer. Bayern Munich is gearing up for a run at repeat.

If the Premier League wants to keep up, adding Ronaldo to its strongest side—while, in turn, taking him away from Spain—is the best thing it can do. 

PREVIEWS: Italy vs Brazil (22 June)

Team News

Italy

• Having secured a hard fought 4-3 win over Japan, Italy joined Brazil in the Confederations Cup semi finals and with six points acquired, Cesare Prandelli may opt to rest a number of key starters.
• The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon and Mario Balotelli are set to drop to the bench for the game with Brazil as the Azzurri aim take top spot in Group A.
• Daniele De Rossi is Prandelli's only enforced absence, with the midfielder suspended.

Brazil

• A 2-0 win over Mexico was sufficient enough to ensure Brazil became the first team to qualify for the semi finals of the Confederations Cup, as Neymar and Jô netted to secure all three points for the hosts.
• Guaranteed a place in the last four of the competition, head coach Luis Felipe Scolari make ring the changes, with only Dani Alves and man of the moment Neymar expected to retain their place in the starting XI.

Prediction

• There is little at stake between the two teams, having both qualified for the semi finals following their respective victories over Japan and Mexico on Wednesday evening.
• Cesare Prandelli will be expected to make a number of changes from the team that overcame Japan, with the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli set to be rested, while Daniele De Rossi is ruled out through suspension.
• Luis Felipe Scorlari looks set to alter his starting XI also as the hosts aim to secure a third group win at the expense of their European counterparts.
• Only Dani Alves and Neymar look set to retain their place in the first team for Brazil as they aim to end the group section of the competition win maximum points.
• While both teams will likely rest a number of regular starters, the need to secure a victory in order to avoid Spain in the semi finals will likely play on the minds of Italy and Brazil.
• However, with home advantage playing a part, Brazil will look to sneak the win in what should be a hotly contested encounter, while conceding their first goal of the tournament in the process.

Jose eased in, tough start for Moyes

The opening weekend

Jose Mourinho enjoys a relatively forgiving return to the Premier League, but that's not exactly the case for Steve Bruce, as Chelsea host Hull City at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of Aug. 17.

David Moyes faces a challenging start to life as
manager of Manchester United

David Moyes begins his tenure as Manchester United manager away to Swansea City, while Manuel Pellegrini's City take on Newcastle United at Eastlands. Arsenal host Aston Villa, while Tottenham take the short trip across London to newly promoted Crystal Palace. The other promoted side, Cardiff City, also find themselves in London as they visit West Ham United. Liverpool, meanwhile, open their campaign at home to Stoke City, while Roberto Martinez's first game in charge of Everton will be at Norwich City. Paolo Di Canio starts his first full season as Sunderland manager with the visit of Fulham.

The storylines

It's a tough start to Moyes' Old Trafford career as, after that trip to Swansea, United immediately host Chelsea in the season's first big showdown on the weekend of Aug. 24 before then travelling to Liverpool seven days later. After a reprieve at home to Crystal Palace, United then travel to Man City in just the fifth game of the season, on Sept. 21. The return Manchester derby is at Old Trafford on March 1.

August 31 is likely to be the first major weekend of the season as it also sees the North London derby, at the Emirates, as well as United-Liverpool. The return for both games is March 15.

Other than the United clash, Chelsea do have the opportunity to rack up points early on, with games against Everton (A) and Fulham (H) - though the home game with Aston Villa will be rescheduled due to the UEFA Super Cup tie with Bayern Munich on Aug. 30. On Sept. 28, they travel to Tottenham. Mourinho resumes his rivalry with Arsene Wenger on Dec. 21 at the Emirates, before Arsenal must make the trip to the Bridge on March 22.

Arsenal get a light enough beginning to the campaign until Nov. 2, when they play Liverpool at home and United away in successive weeks.

After the Newcastle match, Manchester City face two of the three promoted sides with games away to Cardiff and then home to Hull. Their first big test isn't until the Manchester derby on Sept. 21. On Oct. 26 it's the meeting of Pellegrini and Mourinho as Chelsea host City at Stamford Bridge.

The first Merseyside derby between Martinez and Brendan Rodgers comes as late as Nov. 23, at Goodison Park, with the return following on Jan. 28.

In successive fixtures on Nov. 30 and Dec. 3, Moyes takes on a club he could have managed, Tottenham, away and the club he used to manage, Everton, at home.

The first Tyne-Wear derby takes place Oct. 26 at the Stadium of Light. Di Canio must then travel to St James' Park on Feb. 1. In a match that could be just as interesting off the pitch as on it, Mourinho's Chelsea travel to Sunderland on Dec. 3.

The Premier League's first-ever Welsh derby between Cardiff and Swansea will be staged Nov. 2, with the return at the Liberty Stadium on Feb. 8.

The state of play

Malky Mackay's Cardiff were promoted to the
Premier League as Championship champions

None of the promoted teams are exactly given soft landings in the Premier League, with all facing tricky opening fixtures and playing at least two of last season's top six in their opening five games. The toughest, however, is probably Cardiff's.

Apart from away trips to West Ham and Hull, their opening home games are against Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham. Hull at least get to face Norwich and Cardiff at the KC in between trips to Chelsea, Man City and Newcastle. Palace's is probably the most mixed, with trips to Stoke and Old Trafford interspersing Selhurst Park fixtures against Spurs, Sunderland and Swansea.

Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool appear to have the most favourable starts of the top teams. Given a summer that has seen change at many clubs, this could present quite an opportunity for Wenger to make an early statement. His team's first six games are Villa (H), Fulham (A), Tottenham (H), Sunderland (A), Stoke City (H) and Swansea (A).

Martinez has a similar opening period with Norwich (A), West Brom (H), Cardiff (A), Chelsea (H), West Ham (A) and Newcastle (H). Rodgers, meanwhile, has Stoke (H), Villa (A), United (H), Swansea (A), Southampton (H) and Sunderland (A) and will be expected to start strongly.

As tends to happen, many of these spells are offset by what happens later on. Liverpool have a very tough Christmas with successive trips to City and then Chelsea. They at least then face a promoted side at home in Hull City. United travel to the KC on Boxing Day before going to Norwich and then hosting Tottenham. Each of the top sides faces at least one awkward fixture over the three-game Christmas period.

Everton are the only one of last season's top seven that Moyes will face in United's last eight games. It is a run that consists of: West Ham (A), Villa (H), Newcastle (A), Hull (H), Everton (A), Norwich (H), Sunderland (H), Southampton (A). City and Chelsea, meanwhile face fairly awkward run-ins. For Pellegrini, it's Southampton (H), Liverpool (A), West Brom (H), Palace (A), Everton (A) and West Ham (H). For Mourinho, Stoke (H), Swansea (A), Sunderland (H), Liverpool (A), Norwich (H), Cardiff (A).

Chelsea are home after five of their Champions League group games, with City at the Etihad after four European fixtures. United, by contrast, stay on their travels in four, while for Arsenal it's five.

Chelsea after UCL group games: Fulham (H), Norwich (A), City (H), West Brom (H), Southampton (H) and Crystal Palace (H).
For Man City, it's: United (H), Everton (H), Chelsea (A), Sunderland (A), Swansea (H), Arsenal (H).
For Wenger: Stoke (H), West Brom (A), Palace (A), United (A), Cardiff (A), City (A).
And for Moyes: City (A), Southampton (A), Stoke (H), Arsenal (H), Cardiff (A), Villa (A).

Brazil v Mexico: Preview

Fortaleza and its Castelao Stadium are in North Eastern Brazil. The stadium makes its Confederations Cup bow, its first major footballing assignment since redevelopment ahead of the 2014 World Cup finals, though it did recently stage a concert by 'Hey Jude' hitmaker Paul McCartney.

After an opening round of matches that were generally pretty entertaining, the second phase of the group stage can begin.

What's on the line?

The difficulty of being a player or manager for Brazil's national team was showed by the widespread dissatisfaction in their performance against Japan on Sunday. A 3-0 scoreline flattered the hosts, with Jo's injury-time goal being harsh on the Asian champions. The flying start delivered by Neymar's wonder strike was not built upon and there were rumblings of discontent before Paulinho could score a second. Luiz Felipe Scolari's team need to win this match far better than they did their first.

As so often when confronted with teams out of their CONCACAF comfort zone, Mexico struggled against Italy, and were rather flattered by the narrowness of Italy's margin of victory. Brazil might present an even greater challenge, even if they are more familiar opposition. Mexico had actually begun well on Sunday before succumbing to Andrea Pirlo's magic from a free-kick. But beyond Chicharito's penalty, a fair share of possession was converted into little in the way of chances. Should they lose here, then this tournament is over, and their Hexagonal qualification worries can resume.

Style and tactics

Neymar will be granted the free role from which he scored his curtain raiser. That means the rest of the team has to stay relatively rigid to accommodate him, with Fred (or perhaps Jo) essentially playing as a lone striker until his erstwhile partner joins him. Gustavo and Paulinho will be paired as the type of deep-lying midfielders that gave Scolari his greatest success, and it would be a surprise if the coach changes his age-old winning formula. Secure victory here and the experimentation can be employed against the Italians in Salvador.

Jose de la Torre will most probably resume his selection of a lone striker being supported by a 4-2-3-1 formation. That puts Chicharito through a lot of lonesome and tiring work, especially if Giovani Dos Santos is unable to get in the game. The central midfield pair will be doing plenty of sweeping up in front of a defence that is likely to be deep-lying for the majority of the match. One of the aims will be stop the influence of Oscar.

Players to watch

The Chelsea pair of Oscar and David Luiz look crucial. Oscar's importance keeps growing; he is showing signs of being the new Kaka, though perhaps with less of a goal threat. Luiz has rarely enjoyed himself against Javier Hernandez's movement, and will be targeted by the Manchester United man. The aforementioned pairing of Paulinho and Gustavo did not exactly look in sync against Japan, and need to improve their collective showing in Fortaleza.

Gerardo Torado's experience will be important. Mexico need to retain their ball retention and he is the key to that. If Hernandez is to be given the chance to score, then he needs Javier Aquino and Andres Guardado to support he and Dos Santos. In goal, there were some questions raised about Jose Jesus de Corona's attempt to stop Pirlo's free-kick. He could do with playing far better here.

What can we expect?

The last time these two teams met in a competitive fixture was the Olympic final at Wembley. Even though Mexico won that famous occasion, there are far more Brazilian survivors likely to be playing here. Neymar, Oscar, Marcelo, Thiago Silva and Hulk will want to gain a semblance of revenge. That embarrassment last August followed a Mexican win two months previously in Dallas. Mexico's defeat to the Italians was blamed by their coach on individual errors and they will have to smarten up their act to extend their fine recent record against the hosts. Brazil need to show off their continued development. They have won their last two matches, which is something of a revival after the indifferent results of the previous year.

Who'll win?

Brazil, but they will have to win well, too.

Does Mourinho plan to work with Emenalo?

Jose Mourinho insists he is looking forward to working with Chelsea's technical director Michael Emenalo as he gets down to work in his second stint as Blues boss.

Emenalo's presence on the Chelsea technical staff has long been the subject of debate, with some in the media suggesting the Nigerian's close relationship with Blues owner Roman Abramovich has unsettled previous Blues managers.

Yet Mourinho has spoken warmly about the set-up he is walking into as he prepares to work alongside with Emenalo.

"Michael is working well," said Mourinho. "It's important you have around you some structures that can deliver the best possible information, especially the scouting area is a very difficult area for a person like me.

"I cannot travel because I have more important things to do inside the club. I also cannot travel because if I do, everybody knows I'm travelling. Everybody knows who I am, everybody knows the player I'm looking for, everybody starts with big speculation.

"You cannot just find a player when he is 24, 25, 26 and he is in the best moment of his career. You have to start before, you cannot do it without a structure.

"The club are doing good work there. Michael and his staff will provide me with the kind of information I need."

Mourinho went on to suggest many of the foundations he put in place during his first spell as Chelsea boss are still serving the club well.

"I heard one manager here, I think it was [Luis Felipe] Scolari, that when he came to Chelsea he was saying; 'I never saw a club with such organisation in the analysis department," he added. "I never saw such a group of players with a working ethic."

"That was two or three years after me and I said to myself and my assistants that even though he never mentioned my name, this was a big compliment."

"He doesn't have to mention my name because it was my working ethic, it's my group of players, it's my department of analysis and preparation of matches. It's my work, that's success."

Brazil 3-0 Japan: Neymar volley opens Confederations Cup in style

Brazil got its Confederations Cup title defense off to the perfect start with a thrilling 3-0 victory against Japanin Brasilia.

Goals from Neymar, Paulinho and Jo ensured that the Seleção maintained their unbeaten record against the Asian nation with a convincing performance to alleviate some of the pressure on Luiz Felipe Scolari's shoulders.

There had been much debate as to whether new Barcelona signing Neymar could rise to the occasion and he provided the hosts with the dream start with a sumptuous strike after just three minutes.

The 21-year-old ended his nine-game streak without a goal for club and country with a stunning half-volley into the top right corner after Marcelo's cross had been deftly cushioned into his path by the chest of Fred.
Japan almost struck back immediately when Keisuke Honda tried his luck from distance but his fierce free kick was palmed to safety by Julio Cesar.

The CSKA Moscow midfielder proved a constant thorn in the Seleção side and he forced the Queens Park Rangers shotstopper into another save on 18 minutes from the edge of the box after jinking inside the challenge of David Luiz.

The partnership of Dani Alves and Hulk down the right wing was causing the Japanese defense problems and the pair combined excellently on 22 minutes but the Zenit St. Petersburg forward's dangerous low cross was crucially hooked clear by Japan captain Makoto Hasebe.

The same two players combined again five minutes before the break with Alves feeding Hulk on the right-hand side of the box. The forward cut inside the challenge of Yuto Nagatomo onto his preferred left foot before thumping a ferocious drive into the side netting with Eiji Kawashima scrambling.

The Standard Liege goalkeeper was called into action soon after as he produced a fine finger-tipped save to prevent Fred's low drive across goal after the striker had been picked out by Neymar's inch-perfect cross.

The Samurai Blue came out of the blocks quickly after the interval but it was the hosts who doubled their advantage three minutes into the second half. The relentless Alves drove forward from defense before his fizzing low cross was controlled expertly by Paulinho, whose low shot somehow squirmed under the body of Kawashima.

Brazil's performances have come under scrutiny since the re-appointment of Scolari but the boys in yellow appeared solid at the back and irresistible in attack, throwing down the gauntlet to the rest of the world that they are serious contenders for the World Cup next summer.

Alberto Zaccheroni's side really should have pulled a goal back on 50 minutes when Hiroshi Kiyotake's teasing low cross found Shinji Okazaki in the area, but the Stuttgart forward inexplicably steered his effort the wrong side of the post.

Ryoichi Maeda was introduced in a bid to add some attacking steel to Japan's play and the striker nearly reduced the deficit on 72 minutes when he latched onto a loose ball in the Brazil box before swivelling and forcing Cesar into a smart stop with his low effort.

The boos did ring out for Scolari however when he opted to withdraw Neymar from the action, but with games against Italy and Mexico to come, the 64-year-old's decision was understandable.

Late substitute Jo added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time when he swept home from Oscar's pass after a devastating counter attack to cap a convincing display from Scolari's side.

Brazil could secure progress to the semifinals with victory against Mexico on Wednesday evening whilst Japan looks to get its first points on the board when it faces Italy.

Chelsea agree Schurrle deal

Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea have reached agreement on a deal for the transfer of Andre Schurrle to Stamford Bridge.

The Bundesliga club gave the move the green light following their capture of South Korea international Heung-Min Son from Hamburg.

A Leverkusen statement said Son, 20, had put pen to paper on a five-year deal, and chief executive Wolfgang Holzhauser explained: “From the very beginning, we have made clear to everyone that Andre Schurrle’s switch to Chelsea was only viable in connection with an adequate alternative.

“With Heung-Min Son, we have now secured that alternative. Therefore, nothing stands in the way of Andre Schurrle’s transfer to England.”

Leverkusen said the transfer would go through if Germany international midfielder Schurrle passed a medical, with football magazine kicker reporting that the Blues would pay €23 million for the 22-year-old.

A Chelsea statement said: “Chelsea Football Club and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have reached an agreement for the transfer of Andre Schürrle, subject to the completion of legal documentation and related matters including personal terms and passing a medical.”

Schurrle has scored seven goals in 24 senior appearances for Germany, and hit 11 Bundesliga goals as Leverkusen finished third last season.

Earlier on Thursday, his agent had insisted a deal to bring the player to Chelsea would be done within days despite speculation that the move could be called off.

Fabregas 'tops United wish-list'

Former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin has claimed the club ‘are going to move heaven and earth’ in their bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas this summer.

Arsenal are believed to have a first option to re-sign their former captain if he opts to quit the Primera Division champions and return to the Premier League, but Irwin suggests United are convinced they can win the race for the 26-year-old Spain international.

Irwin was among the first pundits to reveal United’s interest in Arsenal striker Robin van Persie last year and now the respected former left-back, who still works as an ambassador at Old Trafford, has revealed that Fabregas is their latest top target.

"Cesc Fabregas has zoomed up Manchester United’s transfer target list to the top position and the champions are going to move heaven and earth to get him," he told the Sunday World newspaper.

"The Barcelona star wants out of the Nou Camp and United want him badly, so the deal should be done easily enough. Fabregas is just the sort of all-action midfield player United need if they are to make a run at next season’s Champions League.

"Cesc won’t be short of offers for I believe this is going to be a transfer season where eye-boggling amounts of money will be spent."

Irwin also predicted United will make a bid for Everton’s Leighton Baines and Southampton’s Luke Shaw, while suggesting winger Nani and Patrice Evra will leave Old Trafford this summer as new boss David Moyes prepares to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Nani will go to Monaco and Patrice Evra may well return to the same club, from whom he joined United," Irwin added. "I’ve also heard a word that the new manager might have Luke Shaw at the top of his list. The teenage Southampton full-back is the latest in a long line of prodigies from that club’s excellent youth system."

Jose: Ronaldo thinks he knows it all

Jose Mourinho has suggested his former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo no longer listens to tactical instructions as he thinks he has nothing left to learn.

The Portuguese pair previous enjoyed a close relationship but it has apparently fractured since Ronaldo
reacted angrily to criticism from the bench during a Copa del Rey win over Valencia in January.

After that, Ronaldo refused to speak publicly in support of his boss or tie their fates together.

Spanish lipreaders claimed the player told his manager to "f¨¨ himself" during Madrid's win over Malaga last month, and he did not then start any of the club's remaining three La Liga games.

Mourinho told Spanish TV show Punto Pelota that it was now difficult to coach the former Manchester United man as he reacts badly to any criticism.

"Cristiano Ronaldo maybe thinks that he knows everything and that the coach cannot improve him anymore," Mourinho said. "I had a very basic problem with him: criticise him from a tactical point of view, in that moment he did not accept it very well."

Ronaldo missed Madrid's final game of the season last weekend with Mourinho claiming the attacker - as well as team-mates Iker Casillas and Pepe - had been ruled out due to unspecified back complaints.

Pepe subsequently tweeted a photo of himself surfing just a few days later, Casillas told Spanish reporters that he had been ready to play, while A Bola and AS claimed Ronaldo now has no intention of signing a new contract at the Bernabeu as he was disappointed Madrid president Florentino Perez had not publicly denied the 'fake injury' claims.

The returning Chelsea manager nevertheless stuck to his version of events.

"Those two games in which he did not play, have been almost the only ones because he has given everything for Real Madrid," he said. "He felt a pain in his back. I do not doubt the injuries of the players."

Mourinho also claimed that Ronaldo's phenomenal goalscoring record for Madrid over the last three years had been facilitated by a tactical scheme which had been specifically designed [by Mourinho himself].

"He played three fantastic seasons with me, I do not know if the best of his career," the Special One said. "I think we discovered a fantastic tactical set-up so that he could express all his potential and express it in goals."

Meanwhile, Radio Marca has claimed that Mourinho plans to sell both Fernando Torres and Juan Mata as he shakes up the Chelsea squad for next season.

Torres however told reporters as he joined up with the Spain squad ahead of the upcoming Confederations Cup that he was not yet thinking about next season, but he was looking forward to working under the Blues' new "demanding" boss.

"There had been talk about this for a while and now it is confirmed," Torres said. "But first we have a very nice challenge in front of us, the Confederations Cup, which requires 100% [attention]. Once that is over we can think about starting the season well, with excitement, and knowing he is a very demanding coach."

Jose Mourinho to coach Chelsea for 2nd time

LONDON (AP) -- When Jose Mourinho left Chelsea in 2007 after falling out with owner Roman Abramovich, it appeared the divorce was final.

The Special One returned to Stamford Bridge on Monday, 5 1-2 years after his departure, to the delight of Blues fans

''I had to prepare myself not to be too emotional on my arrival at the club, but obviously I am very happy,'' Mourinho told Chelsea TV. ''It was an easy decision. I met the boss, I met the owner, and in five minutes after a couple of very short but pragmatic questions, we decided straight away. I asked the boss: 'Do you want me back?' And the boss asked me: 'Do you want to come back?' And in a couple of minutes, the decision was made.''

The 50-year-old Portuguese coach was given a four-year contract as Chelsea manager, nine years and one day after he first was hired by the club. It was on that first day at Chelsea in 2004 that Mourinho declared himself a ''Special One,'' a nickname that stuck.

Mourinho's relationship with Abramovich has improved over the years, and the unpredictable manager said their divorce back in 2007 benefited both him and the club.

''It was a difficult moment because I love it here and have a big connection with the club. Also for the club, my departure, it was not easy,'' Mourinho said. ''But if you analyze it in a cool way and you leave emotions a bit apart, I think it was fantastic. Because after that I had in my career what I was aiming for, and Chelsea as a football club got important trophies after that, with important moments in the history of the club. Now we are back together, and it is a great moment for both, so I think we are ready to marry again and to be happy and successful again.''

Madrid released the charismatic and fiery coach from his contract, so Abramovich will not have to pay compensation.

''I never hide that in my career in football I had two great passions, Inter and Chelsea, and Chelsea is more than important for me,'' Mourinho said. ''It was very hard to play against Chelsea. I did it twice, which was not so bad. Now I promise exactly the same things I promised in 2004.''

There had been seven managers at Chelsea since Mourinho left. He led Chelsea to its first league title in 50 years in 2005 and followed up with another in 2006, and won one FA Cup and two league Cups. But he fell short of giving Abramovich a Champions League trophy, which finally was won with Roberto Di Matteo as coach in 2012.

''His continued success, drive and ambition made him the outstanding candidate,'' Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said. ''It is our aim to keep the club moving forward to achieve greater success in the future, and Jose is our No. 1 choice as we believe he is the right manager to do just that.''

Chelsea finished third in the Premier League this season and was eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League after winning the title in 2012.

Rafa Benitez, hired in November as interim manager after Di Matteo was fired, was repeatedly jeered by Chelsea fans, who distrusted him following his six-year stretch with Liverpool. Benitez led Chelsea to the title of the Europa League, the continent's second-tier tournament, and was hired last week to coach Napoli.
After leading Porto to the 2004 Champions League title, Mourinho became a popular and divisive figure when he arrived at Chelsea.

''I'm sorry I'm a bit arrogant, but we have a top manager,'' he said at his initial news conference. ''I am the European champion. I think I am a special one.''

After leaving Chelsea, Mourinho went on to coach Inter Milan, winning two Serie A titles, the Italian Cup and the 2010 Champions League. With Madrid, he won the 2011 Copa del Rey and 2012 Spanish league title.

He became unpopular with segments of the Madrid fan base this year, when he dropped goalkeeper Iker Casillas, captain of Madrid and of the world and European champion Spanish national team.

Chelsea said Mourinho is bringing along three members of his coaching staff, Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and Jose Morais, and each will be given the title assistant first team coach. There was no word whether Aitor Karanka, his assistant manager at Madrid, will follow him to Chelsea.

Mourinho was an unsuccessful player in the 1980s, and his big break in management came when he was hired as an interpreter for English coach Bobby Robson at Portugal's Sporting Lisbon.

Robson took Mourinho with him to Porto and his influence increased as he took on coaching responsibilities. The duo moved to Barcelona for the 1996-97 season, and Mourinho remained at the club under Louis van Gaal following the Robson's departure.

Mourinho returned to Portugal but failed to win any titles during stints as a senior coach at Uniao Leiria and Benfica. That changed in his first full season at Benfica's rival, Porto, where he won the league, Portuguese Cup and UEFA Cup in 2003.

Chelsea said Mourinho will hold a news conference June 10 at Stamford Bridge.