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.

4. The Italian job

The final will be seen by many as an upset. It was not an isolated event, however, as the semi-final prophesied the fall to a great extent. Brazil were clearly watching as the Italians ran Vincent Del Bosque’s side to the very final kick of the ball. Italy were without some of their key players; otherwise the final itself could have been an entirely different affair. Italy pressured the Spanish mid-field and made them work hard for 120 minutes that broke their confidence, fatigued their bodies and wearied their minds. It definitely played a part in the result of the final as we saw a pale Spanish side being beaten to death at the hands of the magnificent pace of the Selecao.

3. Brazil’s strike force

Brazil were in goal-scoring form throughout the competition, exacting admirable performances from their forwards. Many doubted the ability of Fred ahead of the competition, and repeated these doubts ahead of the final, as they thought that he did not match up the great strikers of the past Brazilian sides. But he proved them wrong with great flamboyance. He scored five goals in the competition, including two in the final.

Spain, on the other hand, were constantly in search of a no.9 during this competition, with Del Bosque choosing to go with Torres at the last instant. He had a miserable night. It is interesting to note that a core group of players in Brazil’s squad that have lifted the team to this triumph ply there trade in Brazil. Neymar, who was at Santos but will be moving to La Liga next season, was the competition’s obvious find. His talent has been acknowledged and praised everywhere.

It is a feat for the youngster to carry such overwhelming expectations with so much elan. He played on the wing and exposed Spain’s defensive loopholes. He netted the second goal for Brazil that clinched the game, but has to thank David Luiz for his goal-line clearance just moments before. This will be Brazil’s strength going into the world cup next year.

2. Spain’s formation

Due to the injury to Xabi Alonso, Spain switched to a more Barcelona like 4-3-3 formation that leaves them committing too much to offense. This area was exploited by both Italy and Brazil. Spain are not a finished commodity by any means. They remain the favorites for the 2014 world with the amount of strength they have on the bench, and with the amount of young talent they can call upon.

Del Bosque can have a look at some of the players that were at the U-21 European Championships. But first and foremost, he needs to install those two defensive midfielders that he used at the 2010 World cup. It will strengthen their defence, allowing the likes of Iniesta more security going forward. A number of personnel changes may also be required as Arbeloa and Pique looked out of sorts.

1. Infallible no more

While it is a definite exaggeration to call it the ‘decline, or the ‘demise’, of Spanish domination over international football as they remain the squad with the greatest amount of ability. It can be said that the ‘tiki-taka’ style of football that has helped them dominate the world for six years is being increasingly exploited. Bayern Munich prophesied this shift of power-center with their Champions League decimation of Barcelona. Brazil have confirmed the observation.

They pressured the Spanish midfielders with great energy and forced them into losing balls and made an immediate switch to the flanks. The left-flank was especially exploited by Brazil and a number of goals in the finals came from there. Arbeloa and Jordi Alba were given a hard time as Neymar and Hulk left them languishing a number of times. It is not to say that this is the end for tiki-taka but it needs to find a second life, a makeover of sorts.