BY JAMES ROSS – FAN FUEL BLOGGER
As all of the aspects playing up to the kick off to the finale of the FIFA Confederations Cup this past Sunday in Rio De Janeiro played out, it was becoming more likely that we were going to witness a truly memorable spectacle in the tournament final between host nation Brazil and reigning World Cup holders Spain.
The noisy and boisterous home crowd, in conjunction with the Brazilian team itself, belted out a rousing rendition of Brazil’s national anthem to start things off. The thrilling atmosphere continued at kickoff, with commentator Peter Drury completely inaudible to the viewing audience, drowned out by the loud and decidedly one sided throng of 78,000-plus partying inside the Estadio de Maracana. When a prone Fred slotted the ball by a helpless Iker Casillas a mere two minutes in, the Maracana erupted ferociously, and it sounded like the Gods themselves were singing from up high. It was a truly remarkable moment. And the noise continued. A full fifteen minutes in and I still could not hear the referees whistle, with mere shards of commentator Drury’s wordplay slicing through the wall of incomparable pandemonium reverberating around the ground.
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As the match progressed, Spain constantly found themselves second best, their herculean strength in complete disarray as the Brazilians applied constant and effective pressure on Spain’s midfield and backline. Juan Mata and Pedro needed to keep Brazil’s fullbacks (Marcelo and Dani Alves) on their toes and prevent them from being involved in Brazil’s buildup play. Instead, both were nowhere in the opening minutes (and indeed, the rest of the match) and with Fernando Torres a forlorn and ineffective figure up front, the only shortcoming that Brazil may possess (a less than stellar ability of their defenders to defend) was left unexposed, and Brazil continued to run roughshod over the Spaniards.
Spain were, quite frankly, lucky to still have eleven on the pitch at half time, as first Alvaro Arbeloa and then Sergio Ramos were both cautioned for fouls that, on another day, they could have well seen red for. Arbeloa, in particular, was very fortunate, as he was never going to catch Neymar before the tug that hauled the speedy star down at centre. For me, it was a stone red card. Neymar eventually had the final say a bit later, slotting home a thunderous left footed shot to give the Brazilians a 2-0 lead on the stroke of the half, and a clearly demoralized Spanish side headed to the dressing room, leaving Vincente Del Bosque 15 minutes to re-motivate and reorganize his side.
Unfortunately for Spain, it didn’t take Brazil long to hammer the key nail into Spain’s coffin, with a clever dummy by Neymar leaving an advancing Fred alone on the far post to slot home a first time shot in the bottom corner, and it was 3-0 Brazil two minutes into the second half, and the match was over.
Though Spain were correctly awarded a penalty kick in the 54th minute for foul by Marcelo, Real Madrid stalwart Sergio Ramos stepped up and promptly missed the net with his attempt, and any candle of hope flickered out at that point. From there Spain fumbled about, with icons Xavi and Andres Iniesta just not able to jumpstart Spain into anything terribly meaningful coming forward, and eventually Gerard Pique was sent off for hauling down Neymar (much to his wife Shakira’s chagrin).
It should be noted that Brazilian central midfielders Paulinho and Luis Gustavo showed enormous presence all match (and during the entire tournament) and their hard work, in particular, allowed the other Brazilian attacking options free reign to paint and create as they wished.
And what can you say about David Luiz’s phenomenal goal line clearance late in the match? The Brazilian defender receives much negative press for his defensive lapses, but he had a brilliant tournament, and his heart is unquestionably huge. Chelsea will have a struggle to hold on to a truly unique defender and a superb competitor. And Julio Cesar’s two late fingertip saves… it was a day for anything and everything Brazilian to shine resplendently.
So, an amazing tournament chock full of some of the best soccer you are likely to see until next summer’s showcase (the World Cup), again in Brazil. The Brazilian crowds were amazing, the soccer stunning and artistic. It was, in my view, on a match to match basis, probably the most exciting tournament played in recent memory. 2014 couldn’t come any sooner.