Brazil face Uruguay in the first semi final of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. The hosts, and two-time champions, have begun to settle into an ominous rhythm, fired by the brilliance of Barcelona's newest superstar - Neymar. The prospect of a final between Brazil and Spain (the reigning world and European champions face traditional rivals Italy in the second semi final) is a mouth-watering one, although Oscar Tabárez's Uruguay will do all they can to kill that dream.

Neymar
Reuters

Where to Watch Brazil v Uruguay Live

Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST. Live coverage is on BBC Three and BBC Red Button HD. Real time commentary and updates are available on FIFA's Confederations Cup Web site, here.

Overview

Brazil beat Japan, Mexico and Italy, by convincing margins each time, to book this fixture. Luiz Felipe Scolari, who guided the Seleção to glory in the 2002 FIFA World Cup has returned to the national team and judging by the 4-2 defeat of Italy in the final group game, much of the traditional Brazilian style and swagger is coming back into their game.

The star of their tournament so far has undoubtedly been Neymar. The 21-year-old may have cost the Spanish champions in excess of £50m but, on this evidence, is definite value for money. He has three goals in as many games so far and with an astonishing 23 goals in 34 international appearances for his country, is rapidly becoming key to the South American's charge to dethrone Spain from the top of the world.

Tabárez will know he has to shackle Neymar to win but there is danger from all over the park in this new-look Brazil side, with the likes of Oscar, Fred, Lucas Moura and Paulinho among those likely to create problems for their neighbour's back four.

Meanwhile, Uruguay have Spain to thank for a semi final berth. The winners of the first ever FIFA World Cup did their part, though, by hammering minnows Tahiti 8-0 in the two teams' final group stage match. The Polynesian Islands nation finish the tournament having conceded 24 goals in three games but have made a number of new fans.

As far as Uruguay are concerned, it was the 2-1 win over Nigeria that proved key; the winning goal was scored by veteran international Diego Forlan. La Celeste have been disappointing so far this tournament, with not much in way of attractive play going forward.

Brazil v Italy [2013 FIFA Confederations Cup]
Reuters

They do have two of the most in-form strikers in European football - Liverpool's Luis Suarez and Napoli's Edinson Cavani - but the former had only one goal in the two games against Spain and Nigeria, although he did pocket a brace against Tahiti, and Cavani has yet to score. And in the absence of any real threat from the Naples forward, Uruguay might contemplate dropping him for youngster Abel Hernandez, who scored four goals in the final group game.

Team Form

Brazil

  • Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W W W D
  • Last Match: Brazil 4 - 2 Italy

Uruguay

  • Last Five (most recent first): W W L W W
  • Last Match: Uruguay 8 - 0 Tahiti
Luis Suarez and Uruguay
Reuters

Team News

Chelsea defender David Luiz will be available, while Tottenham target Paulinho is likely to return to the centre of midfield. Scolari will probably not make any other changes but may tweak his formation for this game. Expect Uruguay to try to create a physical contest - they will try to stifle the Brazilian midfield and Bayern Munich's Gustavo will need to be sharp to stop counter-attacks from the pacy Suarez.

Probable Line-Up: César; Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred

Diego Lugano returns after suspension. However, Andres Scotti will miss the game after his red card against Tahiti. Tabarez will have to decide whether to play three attackers up front and risk having them cut off without the ball for long periods or play only two and drop an extra midfielder.

The centre of the park is likely where this match will be won or lost and that could mean Uruguay will line up with only Suarez and Cavani up front and Forlan and Hernandez on the bench to be impact subs.

Probable Line-Up: Muslera; Pereira, Lugano, Godín, Cáceres; González, Gargano, Pérez, G Ramirez; Suárez; Cavani

Japan Mexico Nigeria