It's a win-win imo, even though I wanted Spain over Brazil. It's nice to see tiki-taka fall apart before our eyes... hopefully opening as spot for a new side to shine. (sadly it will likely be the Germans)
Brazil winning this comfortably is probably the best thing for world football at this moment. Spain are being shown as seriously losing their grip tactically and mentally, which hopefully completely opens up the World Cup next year (which I personally think will be the best WC since 1990 at least)
I think that extra time the other day depleted them a bit. Not to mention Spain have just finished a full season, Mata has now played 75 competitive games in one season! Where as Brazil's league has only just restarted so most their players are fresh and ready. You can certainly tell the difference in energy levels between the two sides.
You say that, but a lot of this Brazil side play in Europe - and Neymar, Paulinho and Fred among others will shortly join them.
There it is! FT 3-0 Brazil The hosts have won the FIFA Confederations Cup, and Spain have shown that they are beatable. 3 Confed Cups in a row for Brazil...
I feel this is appropriate: please log in to view this image (I'm stuck in a trance watching it, it's mesmerising...)
This is the first time in 11 years I've seen Brazil win something. Feels weird, their reputations gives off the idea. that they win every other tournament...
Neymar won the Best Player award, and the 3rd highest scorer award. roseniorhisgranisfromhull, I don't care how smug you are, he still won't do it for me until he proves himself in European football on a consistent basis. Fred, surprisingly, based on his overall contribution, won the 2nd top goalscorer award.
Fernando Torres goes up alone to receive the 'Top Scorer' award. So that's top scorer at Euro 2012 and the Confed Cup, and over 20 goals last season - and the media still slates him? If anything, technically he's better than ever.
Well, that's it. The warm-up to the World Cup next year is complete, despite the protests and violence across the country. Brazil won, and as it turned out, deservedly so, as they tore Spain apart in a fantastic final performance which surely throws the betting for next years winners all over the place. Italy showed us that they aren't always about defensive footie, and Tahiti won our hearts with their tremendous fighting displays. Penalties, as usual, played their part to tug at the nerves, thankfully not involving England, but rather, Spain, Italy and Uruguay. Neymar showed us that we could believe the hype, but a season at Barca will still be needed for us to truly see his potential. Oh, and Fernando Torres was top scorer. For the second international tournament running. And he scored over 25 goals for club and country this season. I'd say the old Torres is back. Overall, the 2014 World Cup should be a cracker. Let's just hope England are there to enjoy the party. See you in 12 months Rio, it's looks like it'll be a good 'un so far
The very fact that Torres gets picked in a Spain squad, never mind the starting 11, is testament to his ability and what he can offer on the pitch.
I also love it how the media are getting all "is this the end of Spain" Of course it's ****ing not, they've just suffered their first loss in 3 whole years FFS!!! Look at the Spanish players coming through. They will be amongst the very best international sides for years to come.
Was just about to post a smug "Yeah, he's really ordinary." So he's been man of the match in what, all but one game Brasil have played? Won the best player award ahead of the likes of Pirlo, Suarez, Cavani, Xavi, Iniesta, Torres, etc. And tonight he tore apart the best side in international football. If you're honest, you're probably starting to think he's in the top 10 attackers in the world now but I don't expect anyone to admit it having argued so strongly against it.
