Goalies make key stops. Forwards score goals and defenders slow down opposing offenses. However, the pace of the game is controlled in the midfield. The match between Italy and Uruguay will be an open affair, but the team with the better midfield fluidity will likely seize the day and win third place in the Confederations Cup.
Italy
Key Players: Andrea Pirlo, Christian Maggio, Daniele De Rossi, Emaneule Giaccherini, Aontonio Candreva, Claudio Marchisio, Riccardo Montolivo, Sebastian Giovinco
Aside from Spain, there was no other team with a midfield as deep or potent as Italy. A look at the team's substitutions for the game against Spain serves to show how many grade A players the team can count on at the start of the game and off the bench. Despite that depth, Italy does not have the cohesion of its European rivals. This was evident during Italy's match against Brazil in the final group match. While the Brazilians, and their inferior midfield, ran the ball up and down the field, the Italians were unable to keep pace and looked dysfunctional. How could such a deep side implode in that manner? The answer to that question rests in the hands of two individuals: Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi. Pirlo is the mastermind behind the Italian midfield while De Rossi is the heart and soul of the Italian attack. Both players were unavailable against Brazil, leaving the team without any sense of direction. Barring injuries, both players will be on hand to guide Italy against Uruguay.
Uruguay
Key Players: Christian Rodriguez, Egidio Arevalo, Alvaro Gonzalez, Walter Gargano
Uruguay's struggles over the past year have been the result of a mediocre midfield. The four aforementioned players are facilitators, but they lack the creativity or dynamism to lead the Uruguayan attack. Instead the team must rely on its trio of forwards to lead its attack, often crippling the team. When Diego Forlan was benched against Spain, the midfield of Uruguay looked lost at sea without a captain or a heading.
Edge: There really is no contest here. The South American sides seem intent on building solid defenders and forwards, but often leave their midfield exposed. The Europeans may lack the clinical finishing of South Americans, but as evidenced by Spain and Italy, their midfielders are the best in the world. Italy has the clear edge at the midfield position.