Confederations Cup semi-finals: Brazil v Uruguay match-up

Brazil and Uruguay are very familiar with each other. How they match up in the semi-final of the Confederations Cup.

Brazil's Fred will be battling Diego Lugano, and experienced player who loves a physical challenge.

Key battle – Fred v Diego Lugano

Centre-forward Fred is far from Brazil's most exciting player but the job he has done in this tournament has been very effective. He rarely moves from his central position, but the rest of Brazil's attackers use him to hold the ball up and lay it off. He is strong, too, and will enjoy the physical challenge of facing the experienced Lugano, who loves a grapple.

Tactics

Uruguay can be an attacking side when they so desire, but if you were to pick any team in world football to grind out a result against a better team, they would be near the top of the list. Brazil go into the tie as favourites, they have the attacking flair to break down Uruguay - just look at Neymar - but their home fans have proven to be fickle. The longer Uruguay frustrate Brazil, the more the pressure will mount.

Previous meetings

Uruguay last beat Brazil in 2001, with the Selecao winning four of the six meetings since.

Probable line-ups

Brazil (4-2-3-1) Cesar; Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Oscar, Hulk, Neymar; Fred

Uruguay (4-3-3) Muslera; M Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Caceres; Gargano; Gonzalez, Rodriguez; Forlan, Suarez, Cavani

Facts

- Brazil are unbeaten in nine games and have won the last four.

- Luis Suarez's two goals against Tahiti put him ahead of Diego Forlan in Uruguay's all-time top scorers list, with 36.

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