Del Bosque says Brazil are favourites

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque says Brazil have to be considered favourites for Sunday’s FIFA Confederations Cup Final in Rio de Janeiro.

La Roja sweated through 120 minutes before beating Italy 7-6 on penalties in last night’s semi-final, and Del Bosque believes this – coupled with the hosts having an extra day to rest – could prove decisive.

“Brazil are the favourites,” he says. “They have five World Cups, three Confederations Cups; we're going to be facing them at the Maracana and we're excited to do so.

“We want to recover and get there in the best condition possible. In the next three days, we'll try to do so. Spain played 120 minutes and they are players who usually play two matches a week, so we believe that we will be able to give it our all on Sunday.”

Del Bosque also feels Brazil’s strength down the flanks will be key to the final outcome of the match.

“[Dani] Alves and Marcelo are great. They’re able to influence a game. Neymar is fantastic and their middle of the pitch is also absolutely fantastic, but we can't talk about just one Brazilian player who we'll guard against.”