Brazil put three past Spain to clinch Confederations Cup crown

Brazil have secured Confederations Cup success tonight with a memorable 3-0 rout over reigning world champions Spain in the final.

The Selecao got off to a flying start at the Maracana Stadium, taking the lead after two minutes as Fred beat Iker Casillas with a poacher's finish from close range.

Oscar then went within inches of extending their advantage from just outside the penalty area, before Pedro was denied an equaliser by a last-ditch clearance on the line from David Luiz.

Just before the break Brazil got their second goal in some style through Neymar, who smashed an unstoppable drive into the top corner from a tight angle.

Early in the second half Fred doubled his tally to make Brazil's lead virtually unassailable.

The striker's curling low effort had just enough power to evade a desperate dive from Casillas, finding the bottom corner despite a touch from the Spain goalkeeper.

Five minutes later Spain were gifted a lifeline as Jesus Navas was clipped inside the penalty area by Marcelo, but Sergio Ramos sent his spot kick well wide of the post.

Spain's task was made near impossible 20 minutes from time as they were reduced to 10 men, with Gerard Pique collecting a straight red card for a late lunge on Neymar.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side controlled the closing stages to seal a famous victory on home soil and a third successive Confederations Cup crown.