Confederations Cup: Fred and Neymar crush 10-man Spain to help Brazil win competition

Fred scored a brace, while Neymar helped himelf to yet another fine goal, as hosts Brazil defeated world champions Spain 3-0, in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup.

The Fluminense striker opened scoring early in the first half, with a scrappy goal, as the Selecao imposed themselves on Spain from the start. Julio Cesar tipped Iniesta’s long-range effort over the bar and David Luiz cleared Pedro’s shot off the line, after a fine move from Spain, before golden boy Neymar doubled Brazil’s lead in the 44th minute.

The forward who is heading to Spain next season, exchanged passes with Oscar and rifled a finish into the roof of the net.

Hulk and Neymar set up Fred to make it 3-0 two minutes after the restart, effectively ending the game as a contest. Sergio Ramos wasted the chance to drag his side back into the match, after Marcelo fouled Jesus Navas in the boss. The Real Madrid defender sent his penalty wide of Cesar’s left-hand post.

Things got worse for La Roja, as Gerard Pique was given his marching orders for hauling down new team-mate Neymar, as Fred also missed an opportunity to grab a hat-trick.

The emphatic win ends Spain’s winning streak in competitive matches since their 1-0 loss to Switzerland in June 2010 and saw Brazil clinch their third consecutive Confederations Cup.