It has finally happened. Sure they had to play a full 120 minutes plus penalty kicks only four days earlier, and sure they came up against a pumping Maracana, but Spain’s football invincibility has come to an end.
Unbeaten since losing to England (surprisingly) in a friendly in November 2011, and undefeated in competitive matches from a year earlier – when they lost at the World Cup to Switzerland (less surprisingly) – Spain were utterly dominant in the world of football.
At last, one of the longest periods of football dominance is over – for now. One thing that is not the least bit surprising is that it came against Brazil, the most decorated nation in football history.
It is they who are the real story of this Confederations Cup, and there were a few, with an honourable mention to first-timers Tahiti and Jonathan Tehau, who scored their first goal outside of Oceania!
But from Neymar’s incredible opening goal of the tournament, to Luiz Felipe Scolari’s comments that victory against Spain would regain Brazilian credibility and send a message to the world ahead of next year’s ultimate showpiece, you just knew that trophy wasn’t going anywhere.
More than that though, despite all the concerns of the Brazilian people, who have gathered to quite rightly to use this world stage to voice their need for a better standard of living – particularly in terms of health and education – is the most spine-tingling rendition of any national anthem ever.
74, 000 present Brazilians, and millions more at home, belted out the last verse without any musical accompaniment, which can leave no doubt in anyone’s mind: Brazil want what is rightfully theirs, bad – the World Cup.
Emotionally charged by this, like a shaken cerveja, the Brazilian team burst open, right from the kick-off. Within two minutes they were ahead through their top scorer Fred. Coming into the tournament, the only question on the fans’ mind was: who would play upfront as their number nine?
Playing as the main striker for Brazil comes with its fair share of pressure. Following the great Ronaldo and more recently Luis Fabiano is no easy task, but in this competition Fred has proven that he’s the man for the job.
Two minutes into the second half, Fred made it some mountain to climb for Spain at 3-0.
In between this double was a goal from the man – who has taken the huge burden of expectations, and has rested it squarely on his shoulders – who bears the number which brings with it the greatest onus: number 10, Neymar.
The 21-year-old won player of the tournament ahead of his soon to be team-mate Andres Iniesta, at new club Barcelona. With the whole crowd chanting his name with every touch, and with calmness beyond his years, he scored right on the stroke of half-time.
Having knocked a pass back to Oscar, the Spanish defence stepped up to leave him offside, only for him to quickly double back, and receive the ball from Oscar. He then sent the country mad by emphatically thumping it into the roof the net.
Just as Fred looks the part as an accomplished number nine and Neymar looks unfazed by the weight of expectation upon him, Scolari is the perfect boss.
In questioning his selection of Fred, one underestimated “Big Phil”, as he is affectionately known; he did win their last World Cup after all. Whether this is because he had a horrid tenure at Chelsea or because he just looks so much like Gene Hackman, is still up for debate.
The current Brazilian team ran themselves into the ground on his say so, and will continue to do so for as long as it takes.
Fred may not have the same profile of past Brazilian forwards, nor may this be the most talented Selecao, but he is part of an extremely well-oiled machine.
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