Spain Humbled as Brilliant Brazil Claim Confederations Cup Glory

Brazil produced an outstanding display to win the Confederations Cup as they thrashed resigning world and European champions Spain 3-0 in a one-sided final at the famous Maracana Stadium.

It was a night to forget for Spain coach Vicente del Bosque as his side struggled to get a foot hold in the game thanks to a sensational performance from Brazil who claimed the title thanks to two goals from Fred and one from Neymar.

To compound Spain's misery they finished the game with ten men and missed a penalty as Brazil ran rampant to prove why they will be a huge threat when the World Cup takes place next year in their own country.

"Brazil have shown the world that the Brazil national team is back," said Neymar. "We showed that we deserve respect with a great win over the world's best.

"We didn't hide - we ran and ran. We played very strongly from start to finish. That shows we are a strong team."

Spain had dominated possession throughout the tournament but were instantly put on the back foot by Brazil who started at a great pace and were soon rewarded for their excellent start.

After just 95 seconds a cross to the back post bounced off Neymar and fell to an alert Fred, who despite being on the floor, was able to react quickly and lash the ball past a helpless Iker Casillas.

It could have been two just minutes later after a clever flick from the goalscorer found midfielder Oscar in acres of space but the Chelsea man dragged his shot just past the post.

Casillas was forced into action once again as Paulinho produced a clever lob which was expertly tipped over the bar by the Real Madrid goalkeeper, before Brazil were left fuming that Alvaro Arbeloa did not see red as he pulled back Neymar.

Spain were simply unable to dictate the game with their usual coolness but they did carve out a decent chance of their own against the run of play as Andres Iniestsa's low shot was kept out well by Julio Cesar.

Roared on by an expectant home crowd Brazil were soon back on the attack as Neymar produced a brilliant pass to release Fred who was once again denied by the brilliant Casillas.

While Spain looked vulnerable at the back there was a piece of brilliant defensive work from Chelsea's David Luiz who somehow managed to clear Pedro's shot up and over the bar from his own goal line.

Del Bosque would have hoped that the tide was turning but it was Brazil who would strike next as Oscar deliberated on the ball before picking out Neymar with a perfectly weighted ball and the new Barcelona forward lashed the ball high into the roof of the net just before half-time.

Just two minutes after the interval Brazil would make it three and it was the influential Neymar who was once again involved. The 21 year old produced a clever dummy from Hulk's pass which found its way to Fred who steered the ball into the corner of the net.

Spain responded by brining on Jesus Navas and the new Manchester City winger who make an instant impact as he was brought down in the box by Marcelo, but Sergio Ramos's penalty would go just wide of the left-hand post.

Casillas then denied Hulk before Marcelo shot into the side netting as Brazil searched for a fourth. The constant waves of Brazilian attacks were cutting through the Spanish defence and Gerard Pique would receive a straight red for a poor tackle on Neymar - the Barcelona defender deemed to be the last man.

Spain pushed to the end but were unable to find a way past Cesar and it was the Brazilians celebrating a monumental victory.