Brilliant Brazil show World Cup promise with 3-0 win over Spain
Fred and Neymar inspire hosts to emphatic Confederations Cup triumph over Spain that brought back memories of the nation's glory years
Any doubts that Brazil are serious contenders for next year's World Cup were swept away by a majestic 3-0 victory over world champions Spain as they won the Confederations Cup in front of an ecstatic local crowd at the Maracana Stadium.
Inspired by Neymar and Fred in attack, David Luiz at the back and the indefatigable Paulinho thundering around the midfield, Brazil ended Spain's record run of 29 unbeaten competitive matches and brought back memories of their glory days.
They began with a scrappy goal from Fred after some shocking Spanish defending in the second minute, went 2-0 ahead when Neymar lashed an unstoppable angled left-foot shot past Iker Casillas a minute before half-time, and wrapped up the match when Fred plundered a third with another angled shot two minutes after the restart.
A crucial stop from Luiz after 41 minutes was vital to the victory, however. With Brazil 1-0 ahead and Spain beginning to finally make an impact, the world champions looked set to equalise with a Pedro shot that had beaten goalkeeper Julio Cesar. But with the ball about to cross the line, Luiz sprinted from nowhere, stuck out a leg, and diverted it away for a memorable clearance.
"I owed that one to Julio Cesar after giving away the penalty against Uruguay," he said. "I managed to pay back the debt and help the team."