Hosts Brazil enjoyed a triumphant finale to the troubled Confederations Cup with a 3-0 defeat of world champions Spain in the Maracana Sunday . A tournament marked by nationwide protests , ended with a reminder of Brazil 's enduring quality as a football powerhouse , which has previously served as uniting factor for the entire nation . Certainly those packed inside the famous stadium in Rio de Janeiro for the final of the eight-team tournament , a rehearsal for next year 's World Cup , would have been filled with optimism . Protesters outside the iconic ground , with reports of clashes with riot police amid tight security , have been complaining about the cost of staging the global showpiece against a backdrop of poor public services and alleged corruption . But Luiz Felipe Scolari 's men did their best to make sure the headlines would be made by their exploits as they dominated a team holding both the World Cup and European Championship trophies . For as well as Brazil played , Spain 's performance was below standard , with Fred 's early goal after a Neymar assist all too easy . Spain could offer little in return and the home side went further ahead just before the break as Barcelona-bound Neymar received a pass from Oscar and beat Iker Casillas with a thunderous shot . Only two minutes were on the clock in the second half when Fred beat Casillas again with a first-time shot and Spain 's hopes were all but over . Their night continued to go from bad to worse and after they won a penalty , Sergio Ramos , the hero in the semifinal shoot out win over Italy , sent his effort wide . With Brazil threatening to add further goals , Gerard Pique hacked down his soon to be teammate Neymar and was promptly shown red . At the final whistle , the stadium erupted in a sea of yellow to greet a success many will see as a prelude to Brazil winning back the World Cup in 2014 . `` Nobody expected such an emphatic result , not against the world champions , '' said Brazil 's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari after the match , in quotes carried by Fifa.com . `` But let 's not get carried away . This is more than a title because we 've shown that we 're on the right path and that we can now take a little more confidence with us as we travel down it . '' With the tournament overshadowed by ongoing unrest across the country , Scolari said he hoped the result would bring some relief . `` It 's a message for the whole of Brazil . We have to get along and stick together to make sure things move forward . '' His opposite number , meanwhile , was philosophical in defeat . `` Obviously this defeat hurts , but I think deep down that we 've had a good Confederations Cup , '' Vicente Del Bosque told reporters . `` I 'd rather take the positives away with me today . I 've been with an exceptional group of players who have given their all in what have been a fantastic 28 days together . '' Earlier , Italy beat Uruguay 3-2 on penalties to claim third spot after the game ended 2-2 after extra time in Salvador .
Brazil beat Spain 3-0 in Confederations Cup final . The match was played at Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night and ended with a goal from Neymar to give the hosts an unassailable lead. Spain 's Gerard Pique red carded in second half . World champions Spain also miss a penalty .