Brazil has shown to the world of Football that it remains the champion against all odds. It wins the Confederation Cup against Spain 3 out of 0
Neymar doubled the hosts’ lead before Fluminense star Fred added his second immediately after half-time.
And it was to get worse for Vincent Del Bosque’s men as Sergio Ramos missed a penalty and Gerard Pique was sent off.
It was the first time Spain have been beaten by three goals since a defeat to Wales in 1985 — and it was their first competitive loss in three years.
But it was carnival time in Rio’s Maracana as Brazil showed their fans just what they can expect in the World Cup next summer.
Fred gave Felipe Scolari’s a dream opening with his goal-poacher’s finish inside the Spain box.
And the early goal rocked the European champions as Brazil kept pressuring and Fred missed a second chance on the breakaway after 28 minutes.
Despite having 61 per cent possession Spain kept giving the ball away in the opponents’ half.
And the hosts were a constant threat on the counter attack with Neymar, Hulk, Fred and Oscar scaring the life out of Alvaro Arbeloa and Pique, who could not get to grips.
Eventually one of those attacks turned into a second goal, as Neymar had the ball on the left of the box.
He passed to Oscar, but as Spain went narrow at the back, the Chelsea man slotted in Neymar — who unleashed a rocketing finish into the roof of the net.
Half-time might have brought some relief for Del Bosque’s side, but just two minutes into the second half they conceded a third.
Fred was again given too much time and space as he sidefooted past Iker Casillas.
But the European champions had a lifeline, as Jesus Navas was fouled in the box five minutes later.
However, after being on the end of a yellow firestorm in Spain’s defence, Sergio Ramos sloppily put the ball wide to his left.
That was Spain’s chance to get back into the game, and Brazil continued to toy with them, creating break after break.
Eventually Neymar broke past Pique who cynically caught his new Barcelona team-mate — and was shown a straight red card.
There were still time for Spain chances, but the outstanding Julio Cesar saved repeatedly from Pedro and sub David Villa.
Brazil have had protests around the country in recent weeks, but there was no sign of any protests at this result — 12 months before a carnival World Cup
The SunSport
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