Confederations Cup: Brazil vs Spain - Five talking points

The Confederations Cup final is being hailed as the end of an era as World Champions Spain ended their 29 match unbeaten run to the relentless aggression of a Brazil team that was inspired by the presence of 75,000 fans at the Maracana. While this may not be the ‘end of an era’, it is definitely a big achievement for the Selecao who have achieved a victory that will be massively popular. It also buries to dust the harsh memories of the 1950 world cup final when Brazil lost out to rivals Uruguay.

Luiz Felipe Scolari took over this team a little more than six months ago and the run up of the team before the tournament was underwhelming. Hence, this victory comes as a huge boost to their World Cup hopes.

Spain, on the other hand, were defeated convincingly. This is the first time in six years, since the European triumph of 2008, that the Spanish side has been ousted in such a high profile game. Vincent Del Bosque had become aware of the challenge that Brazil was to pose ahead of the final and had even declared the Selecao the favorites. But we did not know he was being so radically honest. It will be time for some contemplation and rebuilding for La Furia Roja.

Here are five talking points that are generated out of what we saw at the Maracana:

5. The wonderful hosts

Not many people would have missed the sound of the South African vuvuzelas at the Maracana stadium as the noise generated by the fans was enough to create an atmosphere worthy of a World Cup final. The protests that enveloped the nation during the competition jeopardized the success of the event for a brief while, but that which we saw on Sunday was evidence that the fans love their football and don’t put it to any blame. The spectacle was helped by the fact that the home team made it all the way but the fans were generally appreciated by the sporting crowd at all six venues. We will be back for more in 2014; it will be bigger and better.