Hosts Brazil welcomed Spain to Rio de Janeiro in the final of the Confederations Cup on Sunday.
Brazil, who had not lost a competitive match on home soil since 1975, took the lead after just two minutes when Fred converted from inside the box.
The Selecao continued to impress in the first period, adding their second courtesy of a fine strike from Neymar in the latter stages of the half.
It was three after 47 minutes when Fred swept a low effort into the bottom corner, before Sergio Ramos sent a penalty wide for Spain eight minutes later.
It got worse for Spain in the latter stages of the half, however, when Gerard Pique was given his marching orders for a late challenge on Neymar.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! The 2013 Confederations Cup reaches its conclusion this evening as the hosts Brazil welcome the world and European champions Spain to the Maracana. For the neutral, it could not be a better final on paper. These two sides will also enter next year’s World Cup among the favourites to secure the crown. What a dress rehearsal we have on our hands in Rio de Janeiro.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Brazil are unchanged from their win over Uruguay, with experienced striker Fred once more leading the line. Neymar, Oscar and Hulk will provide support to the forward, while Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho start in midfield. David Luiz also plays despite breaking his nose earlier in the competition. Spain, however, replace David Silva with Juan Mata in their only change from their semi-final win over Italy. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
BRAZIL: Cesar; Alves, Thiago Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Neymar, Oscar, Hulk; Fred
SPAIN: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Torres, Mata
Should Brazil secure the crown this evening, they will become the first team in history to win three successive Confederations Cup titles. They currently sit level with France, who were successful in 2001 and 2003, but victory against Spain would elevate them clear of the European side. One thing is for certain, this stadium will expect a Selecao victory this evening.
The home side will also enter the match full of confidence based on their recent record against La Roja. The hosts have won four of their previous eight matches against Spain, losing just twice in the process. That said, the duo have not met since 1999, which ended in a share of the spoils. However, Spain have not beaten Brazil since the 1934 World Cup.
Brazil’s four successive victories at this tournament also represents their best run of form since winning 10 games on the trot in 2009. They have also scored at least twice in their last eight matches, registering 22 goals in total. They have been far from watertight in defence this summer, however, which points to an open match full of goals this evening.
As mentioned, it is 63 years since Spain faced Brazil at the Maracana in the 1950 World Cup. That night Brazil recorded a 6-1 win over the Iberian outfit, but they famously lost in the final against South American rivals Uruguay. That said, Spain have won their last six encounters against South American opponents in all competitions, which is certainly an impressive record.
Brazil may be five-time world champions, they may be at home and they may have an incredible wealth of attacking talent, but in their way this evening are, at the moment, quite comfortably the best team in world football. It didn’t quite come together for La Roja in the semi-final against Italy, but great teams find a way to win football matches. Even when they are not at it, they always seem to find a way.
Spain had scored in 15 consecutive matches prior to their goalless draw against Italy in the semi-finals – which they eventually won on penalties. That news does not bode well for Brazil, however, with the last time Spain failing to find the back of the net in back-to-back matches coming in June 2003 – a quite incredible statistic at this level of football.
As mentioned, Spain are unbeaten in 29 competitive matches since losing to Switzerland in the group stages of the 2010 World Cup. They did lose to England in a friendly match in 2011, but it is 26 games since they have tasted defeat in any competition. Should this evening advance to penalties, La Roja will enter full of confidence having won their last three battles from 12 yards.
Right, let’s take a look at how each side made it to this stage of the competition, starting with Brazil. The hosts opened their Group A campaign with a 3-0 win over Japan, before a 2-0 success over Mexico ensured their spot in the semi-finals. The hosts did make it three wins from three, however, with a 4-2 win over Italy on June 22.
South American rivals Uruguay waited in the semi-finals, but it was not as comfortable as expected for the hosts. Diego Forlan missed the chance to send Uruguay ahead with an early penalty, before Fred sent Brazil into a half-time lead. Edinson Cavani levelled in the second period, but an 86th-minute header from Paulinho ensured Brazil’s spot in the final.
Spain, meanwhile, began their Group B campaign with a 2-1 win over Uruguay, before thumping Tahiti 10-0, booking their spot in the next round as a result. They recorded a 3-0 win over Nigeria in their third and final fixture to match Brazil’s nine points from nine, but it might have been different had the African outfit not spurned a host of opportunities.
Italy waited in the semi-finals of the competition, with Spain expected to comfortably ease into the final. In truth, it was anything but comfortable. The Italians missed a host of opportunities to take the lead in the first period, with Spain struggling to find their best form. It took penalties to separate the two European rivals, with Spain winning 7-6 following a decisive spot kick from Jesus Navas.
In addition to home advantage, Brazil will also benefit from an extra day of rest heading into this match. Of course, both sets of players are used to playing every few days, but the pure heat and humidity in Brazil does take its toll. Talking of home advantage, Brazil’s national anthem this summer has been sung with about as much passion as I have ever seen anywhere in world football.
The race for the Golden Boot will also conclude this evening with a number of players in the reckoning. Spain’s Fernando Torres currently leads the way with five goals, two ahead of teammate David Villa. Two Brazilians are also realistically in the mix with Neymar and Fred both finding the net on three occasions. In truth, it would take something special for Torres to not end the tournament with the accolade.
Here’s a quick word from Neymar prior to the match. The Barcelona striker told FIFA.com: “I was really looking forward to a final against Spain, and I don’t think I am the only one. We have the chance to test ourselves against the best team in the world and the defending world champions. We feel a mixture of respect and admiration for our opponents, but we need to impose ourselves and play our game.”
Meanwhile, Spain boss Vicente del Bosque revealed: “We’re going to face up to them. We have to put on a show and make it a good advertisement for football. Brazil have won five World Cups and three Confederations Cups and they’ll be playing at the Maracana in front of their own fans. For us it’s a dream game. Come Sunday, a new chapter will begin. We’ll start all-square and see who seizes the initiative.”
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. Home advantage cannot be underestimated, but Spain are used to winning football matches there is no doubt about that. I expect it to be tight, but I think Brazil will have enough to claim the title this evening. Will a certain Neymar steal the show once more?
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The atmosphere is just electric inside the stadium as both sides await their national anthem. It is the dream final with the hosts welcoming the world and European champions. Let's hope that the standard of the game matches the occasion. We are almost ready to begin proceedings.
Just a reminder that we will have extra time this evening and indeed penalties if the two sides cannot be separated in normal time. The atmosphere has been building around the stadium since the early afternoon. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be crucial in this type of match. Right, Brazil get the action underway in the Maracana. Be sure to remain with us for the evening's events.
Bright start from the home side as Neymar combines with Oscar in the Spain half before being bundled over, but the referee is not interested. Pedro looks for Fernando Torres down the other end, but Julio Cesar is out to collect. Brazil try to take a quick free kick moments later with Hulk advancing on goal, but the referee brings it back. Stunning opening two minutes.
GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Spain (Fred)
Brazil lead inside two minutes! Oh my good grief. It is a scrappy one as Alves puts a high ball into the box, both Neymar and Fred fall to the floor, but the latter is on hand to tap home from close range. Just about as scrappy as you could ever imagine. Brazil lead in the final.
Well, as far as dream starts go, that is up there. Unsurprisingly, Spain have settled with possession in the last couple of moments, but have been unable to fashion anything of note thus far. The atmosphere inside the stadium is just electric as both sides commit players forward to each attack. What an opening five minutes to this match.
Spain are very shaky in defence at the moment as Neymar drives down the left before whipping a cross into the box, but Casillas just allows the ball to drift over his head. Spain attempt to break down the other end with Pedro, but Marcelo is across to make the challenge. You just get the feeling that we are going to have goals this evening.
Boos ring around this stadium as Spain begin to pass and probe outside the Brazil box, but a loose pass from Iniesta allows Gustavo the chance to clear the danger. Spain want a penalty moments later as Luiz appears to handle in the box, but the referee is not interested. Neymar is down the left moments later, but Pique is across to make the challenge.
CHANCE! Glorious opportunity for Brazil to score their second as Oscar collects a loose pass in the box before firing an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. That should have been their second of the match. Brazil have started like a house on fire here as Marcelo again bursts down the left before being felled by Torres, who takes some stick from the crowd.
Spain just cannot keep the ball at the moment with Gustavo and Paulinho both marshalling their back four. Perfect game plan for the Brazilians this evening, but you have to wonder whether they can continue with this level of intensity. No real chances for either side since the opening goal, which, in truth, was a bit of a mess.
Wonderful effort from Paulinho as the Brazilian attempts to find Casillas off his line with a chipped strike, but the Real Madrid stopper does make the save. Spain attempt to break down the other end with Pedro, but again they lose possession. Wonderful pressing from the hosts in the opening 15 minutes. Spain have not had a moment to settle on the ball thus far.
Every challenge is being greeted with huge cheers inside the stadium as Hulk comes back to deny Pedro down the right. Brazil want a red card for Arbeloa moments later as the right-back appears to fell Neymar just past the half-way line, but the Spaniard is shown the yellow. Both sets of players clash with the referee, but the resulting set piece is hooked clear by Ramos. What an opening 17 minutes to the 2013 final of the Confederations Cup.
Spain are really not very comfortable at the moment as Brazil continue to crowd them at every opportunity. They usually pass their opponent into submission, but they have not been able to find their tempo thus far. We hoped that this final would deliver, and it has. Pedro attempts to find Mata down the other end, but Julio Cesar is out to claim with ease.
Half-chance for Spain as Iniesta collects possession outside the box before striking an effort towards goal, but Cesar is across to make the save. The resulting corner is delivered by Xavi, but Torres can only head wide of the target. Better from the European and world champions, but they have been second best in the opening 22 minutes of football.
Bit of a nasty one from Oscar as the Brazilian dives into the back of Busquets, but this time the referee does not take action. Ramos attempts to go long towards Torres, but Thiago Silva is across to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the next goal could be crucial in this type of match. Spain are always capable that is for certain.
Ramos attempts the spectacular moments later as he strikes a free kick from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. As it stands, Brazil are heading for their third consecutive Confederations Cup, but this match is far from over. Better possession from Spain in the last few moments, but still no end product for La Roja.
Half-chance for the hosts this time as Alves finds Fred outside the box, the striker turns before firing an effort towards goal, but it was always drifting wide of the post. Torres has a half-chance down the other end as he attempts to meet a cross from Pedro, but Marcelo just crowds out the striker at the final moment. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Rio.
Hulk is involved moments later as he battles for possession inside the Spain box, but Ramos manages to make the clearance at the vital moment. Oscar is in trouble moments later as he fells Iniesta, but still the referee does not issue a card, much to the frustration of the Spaniards. Brazil call for a red moments later as Ramos fells Oscar outside the box, but the colour is yellow.
The resulting free kick is thumped towards goal by Hulk, but it just flashes high and wide of the crossbar. Clever from Neymar as the Brazilian flicks it towards his teammate, but it was always rising at the vital moment. Brazil feel as if Spain should have had two red cards in the opening 32 minutes of this match.
There really is some underlying ill-feeling in this match as the challenges continue to arrive. The latest set piece allows Xavi the chance to whip a cross into the Brazil box, but Luiz is on hand to make the clearance. Half-chance for Brazil moments later as Neymar finds Fred inside the box, but Casillas makes the save.
Another half-chance for Fred moments later as the striker meets a corner from Neymar, but his header is wide of the target. Some start to this match from the experienced striker. Brazil should be out of sight here, but Spain are more than in this match make no mistake about that. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Again Brazil create an opportunity as Hulk collects a pass from Silva before driving a low cross into the box, but Ramos is on hand to make the clearance. Spain are on the counter down the other end moments later, but Alba's cross is blocked by Silva. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments in Rio.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments, with Brazil still forcing Spain into submission. Brazil should be a couple of goals ahead at this stage of the match, but they lead by just that early Fred strike. It has been a long time since I have seen Spain so utterly dominated. Brazil have risen to the occasion there is no question about that.
CHANCE! Oh my word what a piece of defending from Luiz. Pedro thinks he has equalised as the winger drives into the box before curling an effort towards the bottom corner, but Luiz is across to clear it off the line. Wonderful from the Chelsea centre-back to keep his side ahead.
GOAL! Brazil 2-0 Spain (Neymar)
Brazil have their second of the match in stoppage time as Neymar collects a pass from Oscar in the box before smashing his effort into the top corner. Just stunning from a wonderful, wonderful player. It is a long way back for Spain from this position.
Brazil go in search of their third as we enter the first of two minutes at the end of the half, but this time Arbeloa does manage to clear at the vital moment. The noise in this stadium is just stunning as we approach the final couple of moments.
HALF-TIME: Brazil 2-0 Spain
Wow, just wow. A dream half for Brazil ends with the hosts leading 2-0 against the current European and world champions. Brazil had the lead inside the opening two minutes when Fred converted from close range, before Neymar made it 2-0 in the latter stages of the half. Can Spain respond in the second period or are Brazil heading for another Confederations Cup title?
STATISTICS: Brazil have just about shaded the possession with 51%, while they have had five attempts on target to Spain's two. There is no question that the hosts deserve to be leading comfortably at this stage of the match, with Spain just not turning up thus far. However, it would take a brave man to rule them out completely.
BENCH WATCH: Brazil have a wealth of attacking talent on the bench in the shape of Lucas, Bernard, Jo and Jadson. Meanwhile, Spain have the likes of Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Roberto Soldado, Santi Cazorla, David Silva and Jesus Navas in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Change for Spain at the back as Cesar Azpilicueta replaces Arbeloa. The noise level in the stadium has not dropped, even at the interval, with the home supporters revelling in their side's 2-0 win. Right, Spain get the action underway in the second period.
Just the one change for Spain at the interval, but I suspect the final two could be made within the next 15 minutes should Brazil continue with their dominance from the first period. I think it would be fair to say that another Brazil goal would wrap this one up, but a strike for Spain puts them right back in it. Not too much to report in the opening couple of minutes in the second period.
GOAL! Brazil 3-0 Spain (Fred)
Well, that is game over. Brazil have their third in the early stages of the half as Fred collects possession on the left before curling a wonderful effort into the bottom corner. Casillas got the slightest of touches, but it still nestled in the bottom corner.
Spain look shell shocked here as they attempt to find some sort of early tempo in this half. They are on course for a real hiding here with the home supporters letting their voices be heard. A free kick comes for Spain deep in the Brazil half moments later, but Xavi's effort curls high and wide of the crossbar.
Half-chance for Ramos moments later as the Real Madrid defender meets a cross from Xavi, but his header is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. The hosts are down the other end moments later with Neymar, but this time Pique manages to clear the danger. The little Brazilian has once more been special this evening.
Based on this performance, Brazil will be the team to beat next summer I do not think there is any question about that. The crowd are providing the hosts with such energy. It is different to anything I have ever seen. Early change for Spain, meanwhile, as Navas enters the field in place of Mata, who has struggled this evening.
PENALTY TO SPAIN!
Spain have a penalty with 55 minutes on the clock as Marcelo fells Navas in the box. It is a cheap penalty for the Real Madrid defender to concede. It appears that Ramos will take the spot kick against Cesar. What a moment in this match.
MISS! Ramos sends his effort wide of the post! It appears to have clipped the post on its way through, but Brazil remain 3-0 ahead. That could be chance gone as far as Spain are concerned.
Sometimes matches of this magnitude do not produce, well that has not been the case this evening. What a stunning advert for football in Brazil. Neymar has possession down the other end moments later, but the Barcelona attacker is ruled offside at the vital moment.
Just a thought - why is Ramos taking that penalty? You look at the quality on the pitch. Even Navas who scored against Italy in the semi-finals. It does seem a strange decision. Neymar again threatens down the other end with his pace and movement, but Pique manages to clear, before Pedro is denied down the other end.
CHANCE! Brazil come close to making it four as Hulk bursts beyond the Spain defence, but he cannot clip his effort over Casillas, who has made a couple of really smart saves this evening. Final change for Spain moments later as David Villa enters the field in place of Torres, who has also struggled to produce this evening.
Right, little under 30 minutes of football remaining. Spain need to score at least three times to stop Brazil from claiming their third successive Confederations Cup crown. It has been better from the European and world champions in the last few moments, but they have been unable to find that elusive pass in the final third.
Spain continue to pass and probe outside the Brazilian box with Ramos and Pique both prepared to advance forward. It leaves the door open for Neymar, who comes close to collecting a long pass from Fred, but Alba is on the cover. Still Brazil lead by three clear goals as we enter the final 25 minutes. Surely Spain cannot produce a late comeback here? Surely not.
Half-chance for Marcelo this time as Neymar finds the full-back down the left, the Real Madrid defender goes for goal, but it smashes into the side netting. Alba has a strike down the other end, but Cesar is out to collect. It is almost as if Spain are running out of ideas here. Still no sign of that first Brazilian change.
Half-chance for Villa as Alba finds his Barcelona teammate with a low cross, but again Cesar just manages to make the save. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Oscar comes close to slipping past Casillas moments later, but the Spanish stopper is out to clear. What a stunning evening of football this has been.
RED CARD PIQUE!
Spain are reduced to 10 men here as Pique chops Neymar down on the edge of the box. The centre-back made no attempt to play the ball and deserves to leave the field. Safe to say, the Brazilian crowd are absolutely loving this.
The resulting free kick is taken by Neymar, but his effort just moves high and wide of the crossbar. This is an absolute exhibition from the little Brazilian this evening. There have been some doubts about his move to Barcelona, but how can he not be a success? He is that good. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.
Spain break down the other end with Navas as the Manchester City winger bursts down the left before cutting inside Gustavo, but the Bayern Munich midfielder does manage to challenge at the final moment. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Iniesta, but Ramos can only clip wide from close range.
Brazil finally make their first change of the match as Hulk is replaced by Jadson, who is yet to feature in this competition. Massive ovation as the Zenit forward leaves the field. It has not been his best tournament, but he is a big favourite with this crowd. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in Rio.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Brazil comfortable in repelling the threat from the European and world champions. Spain have not played particularly bad this evening, they have just met a Brazil team in full throttle. I would not back against more goals in the final stages as Brazil continue to pour forward.
Half-chance for Fred to add his third as the striker is found by Oscar inside the box, but Ramos is across to clear at the vital moment. Jadson threatens to worry Casillas moments later, but the offside flag had been raised. I suspect we could see another Brazilian change in the next couple of moments. Exhibition stuff from the hosts.
Neymar threatens to go all the way moments later as he bursts clear of Ramos, but Alba is on the cover to clear at the vital moment. Spain are down the other end moments later with Navas, but this time Silva makes the clearance. Brazil do make their second change, meanwhile, as former Manchester City and Everton striker Jo replaces two-goal Fred.
Half-chance for Spain as Pedro bursts into the Brazilian box before striking an effort towards goal, but Cesar is down to make a wonderful save at the vital moment. The resulting corner is met by Ramos, but his header is over the crossbar. It just has not been Spain's night. Little over five minutes of football remaining in the 2013 Confederations Cup.
Half-chance for Jo to add Brazil's fourth as he collects a pass from Oscar before striking an effort from close range, but Casillas is down to make the save. It almost falls for Neymar, but Alba is across to clear the danger. The Brazil bench are already celebrating as we approach the final couple of minutes.
Villa threatens to open Spain's tally with a curling effort towards the top corner, but again Cesar is across to make the save. Moments later Brazil make their third and final change of the night as Lazio midfielder Hernanes enters the field in place of Paulinho, who has been strongly linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the last couple of weeks.
Possession football for Brazil in the last couple of moments with the supporters now finding a second wind. Just imagine what it is going to be like at the World Cup next summer. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of football.
The celebrations have started early with the supporters and the Brazilian bench all ready to enter the field at the final whistle. Spain, on the other hand, look ever so dejected. They are not used to losing in finals that is for certain. Little over 30 seconds of time remaining in Rio.
FULL-TIME: Brazil 3-0 Spain
BRAZIL WIN THE 2013 CONFEDERATIONS CUP!
What a night for Brazil. Two goals for Fred and one for Neymar secured a 3-0 win over the European and world champions, who missed a penalty in the second period. This is the first time that Spain have been beaten by three goals since 1985. The celebrations have really started on the pitch.
So there we have it. Finally the players can have a holiday as they prepare for the new season with their respective clubs. What about Neymar next season at Barcelona? What a prospect. Wonderful scenes as the Brazilian players enjoy the moment with the home supporters.
Just think, Brazil will have to do it all again at the World Cup next summer. A lot of talented sides will arrive, but Brazil will have the 12th man once more. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
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