Brazil beat Spain to seize Confederations Cup title

Brazil beat Spain 3-0 in the final of the Confederations Cup at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, putting an end to the current world champions' record 29-game unbeaten streak.

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 crowd at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

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 with their fifth straight win of the tournament.

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 halftime, and wrapped up the match and the title when Fred plundered a third with another angled shot two minutes after the re-start.

A crucial stop from Luiz after 41 minutes was vital to the victory, however.