Spain loses to Brazil in the Confederations Cup

Spain’s efforts to win the first ever Confederations Cup title will have to wait another 4 years as they were beaten by the hosts Brazil on Sunday night 3-0 in the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Early goals in each half from Fred and a late strike in the first half from Neymar put Brazil on course for its third title in the Confederations Cup.

The Spanish team remained the same except for one change with Juan Mata replacing David Silva. But Brazil made an early attack and scored just two minutes into the match completely unnerving Spain. Throughout the first half the tempo stayed with the hosts. There were several skirmishes and heated arguments between the two sides.

Del Bosque made his first substitution during the break bringing on Cesar Azpilicueta for Arbeloa. Then, two minutes into the second half, Brazil pushed ahead even further.

With Spain needing three goals, Del Bosque once again went to his bench and brought on Jesus Navas for Mata in the 52nd minute. Two minutes later the decision proved correct as Navas used his speed to draw a foul from Marcelo in the Brazilian penalty area. Sergio Ramos stepped up to the spot but missed completely wide to Julio Cesar’s right.

Del Bosque made his third and final switch in the 59th minute replacing an ineffective Torres with David Villa. But any hopes of a comeback were diminished in the 68th minute when Spain was reduced to ten men. A charging run from Neymar ended with a lunging challenge by Pique just outside the area. The referee felt there was no intent by Pique to play the ball and sent the Barcelona player off.