Spain and Brazil vie to be the underdogs

BRAZIL striker Neymar believes Spain are favourites heading into today’s Confederations Cup final, but insists his side must not fear the world and European champions.

Spain go into the match at the Maracana looking to win the tournament for the first time and add a fresh chapter to an unprecedented period of success, including back-to-back European Championship titles and a maiden World Cup crown.

Those t riumphs have left La Roja at the top of Fifa’s world rankings and Neymar believes Vicente del Bosque’s men hold the upper hand for the final.

However, the forward, who will grace the Primera Division next season after joining Barcelona, also has faith in his side as they look to claim a record third successive Confederations Cup title, and a fourth title in total.

The 21- year- old said: “We must play football and not fear them … we also have great players in the Brazilian national team. I respect and admire Spain a lot, but our football is nice on the field and we’re hopeful and trust one another.”

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said his side have what it takes to overcome the Spanish: “We are playing Spain by respecting their quality, but also trying to show our potential and talent,” he said.

The teams have been the stand-out sides of this year’s Confederations Cup, with Brazil winning all four of their games. Spain were victorious in their three group matches and edged out Italy in a penalty shootout in the semi-final.

Spanish mi d f i e l d e r Andres Iniesta said: “This is a moment to close a circle of tournaments with the national team.”

The Barcelona midfielder knows the difficulties facing his side – and he feels Spain are underdogs.

“Brazil are f avourites because they are playing at home and I don’t know how many thousand people will be behind them,” he added.

“We must turn that into a form of motivation for us.” ANDY KIRK believes he has scored a winner after being reunited with Paul Hartley at Alloa Athletic.

The f ormer Northern Ireland striker was left in limbo following his enforced exit from crisis-hit Dunfermline Athletic.

But he is happy again after being given a one-year contract by ex-Hearts teammate Hartley, whose side are preparing for the challenge of Irn-Bru Division One.

The 34- year- old said: “It was my fifth season when I left [Dunfermline] and it’s a shame the way things have gone because there are a lot of good people there.

“Jim Jefferies and Gerry McCabe worked hard to keep things going despite the situation, and you can only feel for the supporters as well.

“But now I’m an Alloa p l aye r a nd I’m looking forward to this new challenge.”

He added: “Paul [Hartley] is a very determined person, he is very organised and has the right people about him.

“The club is run really well under the chairmanship of Mike Mulraney. It’s a happy club which you can see when you look at the players in training.

“They look forward to going to work and you can feel that off them.

“It does not surprise me that Paul has had the success he’s had.”