Neymar urges Brazil to take risks

Brazil maestro Neymar insists Spain will be favourites in the Confederations Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men have looked menacing throughout the tournament but will have to be at their best to defeat the reigning World Cup and European champions.

The 21-year-old vowed that while his team-mates have of the utmost respect for their Spanish opponents, they will not fall into the trap of defending against the world’s number one ranked side.

“The Spain team is the best in the world. They are the favourites,” Neymar said on Friday.

“But we have to play our own game respecting them, but also without letting them take control. We can’t be afraid to take risks.

“We have a lot of respect for them and admiration. But we have a lot of confidence in one another. I admire Spain’s players but I also admire our players. I remember watching Fred score lots of goals when I was younger.

“Sunday is going to be a historic day. The whole world is going to be watching. Everybody, even the players, wanted this match.”

Neymar has been one of the standout players at the tournament, scoring three goals and posing a threat to opposition defences, and he will go into Sunday’s final full of confidence.

“When the match between Spain and Italy (on Thursday) finished, I said to Thiago Silva that I wished the final could be played tomorrow. The wait is difficult,” he said.