Maracana magic as Brazil steamroller Spain

Brazil destroyed world and European champions Spain 3-0 to win a third straight Confederations Cup title with a dazzling display of football which left the Maracana Stadium in raptures here.
The turbo-charged samba stars roared to victory yesterday with two goals from Fred and a stunning strike from Neymar, dominating a weary Spanish side whose strength was sapped after edging Italy on penalties in Thursday's semi-final.
A miserable night for Spain also saw them miss a second half penalty when Sergio Ramos shot wide from the spot before Barcelona defender Gerard Pique was sent off for a professional foul on Neymar.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said the result as the perfect fillip as he plots a course to an assault on next year's World Cup finals in Brazil.
"People know a much tougher event is coming up (next year)," said Scolari. But he noted: "We can set out on the journey with a little more confidence."
Spanish counterpart Vicente del Bosque meanwhile admitted his side had been outclassed on the night. "There are no excuses. Brazil were better than us. We must congratulate them," del Bosque said.

The touchpaper for an electrifying evening at one of the most iconic venues in football was set during the pre-match ceremonies as Brazil's fans in a 73,531-crowd belted out a spine-tingling rendition of the national anthem.

The stirring anthems came as police clashed with protestors outside the ground before kick-off, the latest in a series of violent confrontations which have dogged the tournament since it kicked off.
With the euphoric stadium crowd behind them, Brazil raced into a 1-0 lead after only two minutes through Fred's first of the night.