Confederations Cup 2013: Brazil champions after brilliant display against Spain

In boxing there are moments when a long-time champion finally faces a fight that their talent, guile and experience simply cannot prepare them for. The old champion may still have the swagger and desire to be the best but inevitably someone younger, stronger and faster always comes along, ready to dethrone the legend.

Brazil are not “young” in terms of soccer heritage, but over the past few major tournaments they haven’t been the powerful force we’d grown accustomed to. In recent years there’s no question that Spain have become the standard by which all international teams are measured.

What did Shakira think?

We agree.

Yep, really.

Just before the break, Neymar made it 2-0 with this spectacular strike into the roof of the net at the near post.

Spain are very rarely a goal down and almost never two down. This game marks the first time since the 2009 Confederations Cup that they’ve been down in the knockout stage of a major tournament and their game is very dependent on not having to chase a lead.

SON.

The Maracana has already had a chance to absolutely erupt, thanks to Fred and some poor defending by Spain. Fred, the journeyman striker who many felt didn’t have what it takes to be first choice for Brazil, now has nine goals in his last 11 matches for his country.

Hulk set up the goal with a cross, though it wasn’t good enough to set up Fred on its own. Gerard Pique completely misplayed both the ball and Fred as it fell unexpectedly to Neymar, then bounced off of him back towards the center of the box. Iker Casillas went down too early and Fred popped the ball over him while on his back.

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Extra time was forced by a spectacular exchange of direct free kick goals. Diamanti scored a stunner in the 72nd minute from 20 yards out to put Italy ahead and Cavani matched him just six minutes later with a shot that was nearly a carbon copy. However, Diamanti’s was a bit sharper, and Buffon probably could have done more to stop Cavani’s effort.

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Although a noble effort, it seems that this tournament was a step too far for this Italy side. They’ll be glad that will be said about such a minor tournament, but in truth they’ve been caught in a generational gap. The forerunners of the team are of the hardier stock that prevailed in 2006, the last of a dying breed of Italian international that got by on know-how, with their technique supplemented by mastery of the dark arts: ghostly movement from forwards and midfielders, cynical and, when necessary, brutal defending from those at the back.

Match date/time: Sunday, 6 p.m. ET

Venue: Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil