Brazil Wins Fourth FIFA Confederations Cup

07/01/2013 - 10h05

With a goal by Fred in the first minute of match, Brazil had no trouble beating Spain, the current world champions and twice champion of Europe, 3-0, on Sunday at Maracanã, and winning their fourth FIFA Confederations Cup, repeating the feat of 1997, 2005 and 2009.

The other Brazilian goals were by Neymar (at 44 minutes into the first have) and again by Fred (at 2 minutes into the second half).

With the two goals, Fred finished the competition as top scorer alongside Spanish Fernando Torres, who was the record holder on Sunday. The two athletes accounted for five goals in the tournament.

Felipe Trueba/Efe

Brazil's victory ended the unbeaten run of 29 competitive matches by the Spanish team, which had not allowed goals in playoffs since the 2010 World Cup.

During the ceremony prior to the game, volunteer dancers dressed as soccer balls showed a banner to protest the privatization of Maracanã and against homophobia.

Besides to the goal at the very beginning of the match, Brazil did well in scoring. Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho prevented Xavi and Iniesta from having much space to control.

Brazil's victory also ended the unbeaten run of 29 competitive matches by the Spanish team, which had not allowed goals in playoffs since the 2010 World Cup. The last time they allowed one was the in last Confederations Cup in 2009. In the contest for the 3rd place, the Spaniards beat South Africa 3-2.

Since then, there have been eight qualifying matches where Casillas' goal was not penetrated. There were four playoffs in the 2010World Cup, three more duels in the 2012 Eurocup, in addition to the penalty shootout victory over Italy last Thursday.

The team of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has prevented the Spaniards from conquering all the major soccer titles. The Spanish national team has already won the Olympics, the European Championship and the World Cup.

Translated by DAVE WOLIN

Read the article in the original language