Odds and Game Preview - Brazil vs. Japan - Opening Game of the FIFA Confederations Cup - June 15th, 2013

Brazil meet Japan in the opening game of the FIFA Confederations Cup on June 15th, 2013 at the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia.

The competition hosts Brazil and Asia Cup winners Japan are in Group A along with Mexico and Italy. Brazil and Japan have met nine times already and South American side so far are undefeated. Most recently Brazil defeated Japan 4-0 in a friendly game in Wroclaw in October of 2012.

Brazil are one of the favourites to win the whole competition and the big favourite to win their first game against Japan who are arguably the weakest team in the group. The odds for the upcoming match are as follows:

Brazil: 3/10
Draw: 17/4
Japan: 17/2

A $100 bet on Brazil could return $30 in profit, while the same bet on Japan could return $850 in profit. The most likely score, according to the odds, is a 2-0 victory for the hosts offered at 5/1.

The current Brazil squad, since Since Luis Felipe Scolari took over again, have played seven matches, won two, tied four and lost one. Most recently, the other day, Brazil beat France in a friendly with the score of 3-0. Japan also played a friendly a few days ago vs. Iraq and they won that game 1-0.

Brazil have not impressed lately, but they seem to be gaining form. A win over Japan would be a good confidence booster for the rest of the competition. All eyes will be on the home team sensation Neymar and Japanese rising stars Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda.

The kick-off is at 16.00 local time.

This should be an awesome game!