Neymar surprised by dominant Brazil

Neymar has admitted even he did not expect such a dominant performance from Brazil in the Confederations Cup final against Spain.

Brazil thumped the reigning world and European champions 3-0 in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday with Fred notching a brace and Neymar also getting on the scoresheet.

The result sent shockwaves around the world as Spain, who had not lost a competitive fixture since the World Cup finals in South Africa three years ago, were humbled by the hosts at the Maracana; a big statement with Brazil 2014 less than a year away.

“The team played very well tonight, even better than we were expecting,” Neymar said.

“This is a day that is making us very happy, we have no idea but we know this was a very important win.

“We had this goal and we ended putting the icing on the cake.

“All players like decisive games, special ones, even more so against the best team in the world, we are happy.”

Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was thrilled with his team’s performance against Spain but the 64-year-old warned his side it will be more difficult next year at the World Cup finals.

While Brazil has been dogged by demonstrations during the Confederations Cup, protesting the amount of money spent on next year’s tournament, Scolari paid tribute to the supporters.

“It was a path that we needed to take but we knew that this match was not even close to what we have to play through next year,” Scolari said.

“It’s going to be harder but our path will be a little bit better to walk.

“(The win) is going to create a better situation and better environment.

“Also the support that we take from the crowd inside and outside the pitch is excellent.

“We need to always get this from the country, that way we can evolve and grow with good work.”