Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari believes his team are firmly on the road towards winning the World Cup at home next year after lifting the Confederations Cup.
Two goals from Neymar and one from Fred saw off the world and European champions at the Maracana Stadium in Rio and gave Brazil their third successive win in the competition.
"I don't think I could feel any better than how I am right now," said Scolari.
"I thought that any positive result would be great and to beat them 3-0, that is much better than I imagined.
"But I also believe that overall, not only because of the score but the way we played, we had a very good match.
"Now I am able to dream that we have an idea, that we have a path ahead of us, and that we have a good team to play in the World Cup next year as equals with other strong contenders." Luiz Felipe Scolari
"Now I am able to dream that we have an idea, that we have a path ahead of us, and that we have a good team to play in the World Cup next year as equals with other strong contenders."
The tournament has been marred by anti-Government protests in Brazil and there were further demonstrations near the ground ahead of the game, but Scolari hopes Brazil's victory will help bring the country together.
"It was important not just for the football team but the whole country for obvious reasons," added the 64-year-old.
"But as far as the team is concerned, one thing that is important is that in the last 30 days we have beaten four former or current world champions: France, Uruguay, Italy and Spain.
"We are a team still being formed, facing a lot of difficulties and I think this win upgrades the team, giving us more confidence. It's something that will make us play in a different way."
Brazil cruised to victory over Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup thanks to goals from Fred (2) and Neymar
The newest Barça player was named MVP of the tournament
Eight FC Barcelona players lined up for their respective countries at the Maracaná Stadium for the final of the Confederations Cup this evening; two Brazilians - Neymar and Alves - and six for Spain - Piqué, Alba, Sergio, Xavi, Iniesta and Pedro. David Villa also got some playing time when he was subbed in for Fernando Torres in the second half.
Neymar, thanks to his four goals and a handful of assists, was named MVP of the tournament after the match . The new FC Barcelona player led Brazil to its third consecutive Confederations Cup title (2005, 2009 and 2013).
Neymar completes a stellar first half
A spectacular goal from Neymar capped off the forward’s notable performance in the first half. The player fired the ball to the ceiling of the net after a good assist from Oscar to make it 2-0 just before the break. The first goal was scored after only two minutes, when Fred took advantage of a loose ball inside of Spain’s area.
Spain, on the other hand, were not comfortable on the pitch. Sergio shined as holding midfielder while Xavi and Iniesta were unable to move the ball with the necessary pace due to Brazil’s frenetic pressure. Pedro enjoyed the best chance for Spain in the first half by David Luiz did well to clear the ball off the line.
Fred scores the third at the start of the second half
Fred, just like in the first half, scored minutes after the starting whistle. The forward one-timed the ball to the far post of Casillas’ goal. Sergio Ramos could have pulled one back for Spain from the penalty spot but his shot went wide of Julio César’s goal.
Del Bosque decided to bring in Navas and Villa for Mata and Torres with roughly 30 minutes left on the clock before full time. The Barça forward tested Julio César but it was Neymar who commanded the attention of the fans at Maracaná. The Brazilian, with lots of space ahead of him, was brought down by Piqué near the edge of Spain’s area. The Barça defender was shown a red card for his efforts, and as Piqué walked off the pitch Spain’s hopes of winning the only international title yet to grace its trophy cabinet quickly faded.
The referee blew the final whistle and Brazil claimed their fourth Confederations Cup title.
Italy take third place ahead of Uruguay on penalties
Gianluigi Buffon was Italy's hero as his three penalty saves in the shoot-out saw the Azzurri to victory and a third-place finish in the Confederations Cup, at the expense of Uruguay.
The two sides drew 2-2 after 120 minutes with Italy creating the majority of the chances and they went on to win the shoot-out 3-2 in Salvador. Davide Astori put the Italians ahead after 25 minutes before Edinson Cavani levelled the scores after the interval.
Alessandro Diamanti restored the Italians' lead after 73 minutes, before Cavani netted again to make the score 2-2 and take the game into extra-time, where Riccardo Montolivo saw red after picking up two bookings. Then Buffon came into his own, saving from Diego Forlan, Martin Caceres and Walter Gargano to win the game for Italy.
Uruguay started the game strongly and Forlan was the first to test either stopper, with his dipping free kick forcing Buffon to dive low.
A free-flowing move from Italy culminated with a scuffed shot from Antonio Candreva after 15 minutes before the Italians went ahead eight minutes later. A Diamanti free-kick ricocheted off the post and onto Uruguay stopper Fernando Muslera, with the ball falling to Astori, who from a yard out, tapped home.
But Uruguay responded well to going behind and their pressure told 12 minutes after the restart when a well-weighted pass from Alvaro Gonzalez found an unmarked Cavani who slotted into the far corner past Buffon's outstretched left hand.
Diamanti restored Italy's lead with 17 minutes left with a wonderful 25 yard free-kick which gave Muslera no chance. It was feat replicated by Cavani three minutes later as his powerful effort was too much for Buffon, who could not get his feet moving to get across in time to keep the Napoli striker's effort out.
Italy had to play the final 10 minutes of extra-time with 10 men following Montolivo's second yellow for a late challenge on Luis Suarez, but Uruguay could not get past Buffon.
And Forlan could not do so with his spot-kick, while Alberto Aquilani, Cavani, Stephan El Shaarawy, Suarez all scored before Mattia De Sciglio's miss brought the South Americans back into the shoot-out.
However Caceres missed and Emanuele Giaccherini scored before Buffon saved Gargano's effort.
In a very exciting match, the Women’s Eagles Sevens defeated Ireland 14-5 to set up a Rugby World Cup Semifinal against New Zealand at 7:56 AM E.T. inside Luzhniki Stadium.
“We did a much better job in the second half to move the ball around, and that opens up gaps for players like Vix (Victoria Folayan) who are hard to stop,” explained second half impact player Nathalie Marchino.
The Eagles attacked right from the restart, and Jillion Potter’s pass almost sent Kimber Rozier over for the opening points. However, the ball bounced awkwardly, with Ireland managing to use an overlap and race away for a try on the other side of the field.
Amy Davis touched down as Ireland took an early 5-0 lead.
The Eagles followed with several phases of possession but were penalized twice for holding onto the ball on the ground.
Head Coach Ric Suggitt, as we have seen all weekend, used early replacements Deven Owsiany and Kelly Griffin for Ryan Carlyle and Irene Gardner.
After a strong scrum, the Eagles looked to build an attacking platform but a knock-on gave Ireland possession. Both teams seemed slightly frantic in the opening seven minutes, as the halftime siren sounded with Ireland up by one try, 5-0.
The second half began with Ireland surging towards the USA tryline, but Rozier and Potter put in some massive tackles, and Ireland had a knock-on. Following the scrum, Folayan received the ball with some room to move. The speedster put through an excellent chip and chase, almost gathering inside Ireland’s half, but an Irish player recovered the ball and was carried into touch.
The USA lineout was firing, and the forwards attacked the short-side, desperately close to scoring. Unfortunately, another penalty went the way of Ireland, and they kicked for touch to relieve pressure.
Before the next play, Kathryn "KJ" Johnson and Marchino entered the field for the Eagles.
Marchino, using her speed and strength, got involved in the very next play and linked beautifully with Folayan who broke a tackle but was stopped a meter from the line. Marchino gathered it however, and dove over to score for the Eagles.
Rozier kicked the conversion and the USA led 7-5 to the cheers from the crowd at Gorodok Stadium.
With only one minute left, the Eagles gathered the restart and Folayan used her fancy footwork to beat two defenders and burst through under the poles to score. The Eagles second try was converted by Rozier as the siren sounded in the background for a fantastic 14-5 win.
“The energy was a little bit flat, and I wanted to do whatever it took to get the team going, to create some momentum,” said Marchino. “It’s nice to be able to come in with fresh legs, especially with all the starters doing the hard work before we enter the game.”
The Eagles 14-5 Cup Quarterfinal win over Ireland sees them advance to the Cup Semifinal where they will face New Zealand at 7.56 AM E.T. inside Luzhniki Stadium.
This Cup Semifinal clash is a rematch for the Eagles, who lost 14-12 against New Zealand at the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.
Meanwhile all games at the Luzhniki Stadium (including the Women’s Cup Semifinals and Finals) will be shown on www.rwcsevens.com as well as broadcast on Universal Sports. Coverage on Universal Sports will begin on June 30 at 1:30 AM E.T.
Follow live updates on Twitter from the official USA Rugby account (@USARugby) and read game recaps onwww.usarugby.org/rwc2013 andwww.rwcsevens.com. Join the conversation using #RWC7s.
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Ireland 1. Jillion Potter 2. Kelly Griffin (s) 3. Vanesha McGee 4. Deven Owsiany (s) 5. Kimber Rozier 6. Christy Ringgenberg 7. Victoria Folayan 8. Kathryn "KJ" Johnson (s) 9. Irene Gardner 10. Emilie Bydwell (s) 11. Nathalie Marchino (s) 12. Ryan Carlyle
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Ireland Tries: Marchino, Folayan Conversion: Rozier (2)
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Schedule USA vs. New Zealand - Cup Semifinals - 7.56AM E.T. (Luzkniki Stadium)
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Results USA 14 Ireland 5 (Cup Quarterfinals - June 30) USA 12 Brazil 7 (Pool Stages - June 29) USA 31 Fiji 5 (Pool Stages - June 29) USA 19 Spain 7 (Pool Stages - June 29)
Blackpool have accepted a bid from Cardiff for Thomas Ince, according to manager Paul Ince.
The 21-year-old is one of the most sought-after players in the Championship after making his name as a goalscoring midfielder at Bloomfield Road.
Cardiff are looking to strengthen their squad after promotion to the Barclays Premier League, but Paul Ince reckons it is only "50-50" his son will move on.
"Cardiff have come in massively for Thomas, the chairman's accepted the offer," he said in an interview with Blackpool's official Youtube channel.
"I'm not sure what the offer is because I've been away, but that's been accepted, so it's a case of when he comes back next week, Thomas, we'll sit down and see what he wants to do."
Blackpool have been on warm weather training in Portugal, but Thomas Ince was given extra time off because of his involvement with England Under-21s and is not due back at the club until a week on Monday.
Paul Ince added: "He loves it here. He said to me, 'I'm in no rush to get to the Premiership, I'm in no rush to leave Blackpool.
"I think it's 50-50 at the moment. It's a tricky one for me because obviously you want your son to be playing in the Premiership, but you obviously want your son to be playing with you.
"I feel as far as improvement there's still a long way for Thomas to go and will he get that if he went to the Premiership? I'm not too sure. I know what he needs because he's grown up with me. Another year wouldn't hurt him at Blackpool."
The centre half was positive about his season when he spoke at his Campus, which was attended by more than 90 children.
With his holidays about to start, Bartra insisted: “winning the European Under 21s has given me what I needed to relax now – now it’s time to refocus and start to prepare for the pre-season”
“I am very happy. It’s a great day for football, the town and the area”, explained Marc Bartra at the end of his football campus, which has been held in Sant Jaume dels Domenys since 25th June. Talking in front of the more than 90 children who attended the campus, Bartra claimed: “I didn’t expect this to be such a success – it’s fantastic to share your vision of the game with so many kids”.
It’s a dream to play at Barça
As the campus came to a close, Bartra explained “being a Barça player really attracts people and it’s been wonderful for the kids to share all this. I’m very happy with last season – it’s been a dream come true for me to be in the first team. There have been great moments and the hard ones will help me learn and continue to grow”.
European success
After winning the European Under 21s with Spain, Bartra will be taking a short break over the next few weeks, explaining: “winning the European Under 21s has given me what I needed to relax now – now it’s time to refocus and start to prepare for the pre-season”.
Danny Wilson will stay at Hearts at the end of his loan deal from Liverpool after the Scottish Premier Football League confirmed his registration will continue.
The Gorgie side, who entered administration earlier this month, had announced the 21-year-old would join them permanently on a three-year deal starting in July when his six-month loan expired.
However, the deal appeared to be off when administrators BDO came in to sort out the club's financial problems, with striker John Sutton made redundant on Thursday. Wilson agreed to take a pay cut to stay at Tynecastle.and the SPFL confirmed the deal would not count as a new registration, and would be allowed under their current embargo.
A statement on the official Hearts website said: "Heart of Midlothian FC is pleased to confirm that Danny Wilson is to remain at Tynecastle following his period on loan from Liverpool.
"The Scotland international's contract with the Anfield outfit expires today (Sunday, June 30) but he will keep featuring in maroon after the SPFL confirmed that his registration will continue.
"Although the current administration which the club is subject to has meant an embargo on new player registrations, as the 21-year-old is already registered with the club there is no restriction on his move from Liverpool to Hearts."
The SPFL confirmed Wilson would be allowed to remain with the Jambos. It said in a statement: "The SPFL Player Registration of Heart of Midlothian FC player Danny Wilson would, had he not agreed a contract extension, have terminated on 30 June.
"The SPFL has now received documents extending the contract of the player. As a result, the player's existing SPFL Registration is automatically extended and is not affected by the embargo on new SPFL Player Registrations currently in place on Heart of Midlothian FC as a result of Heart of Midlothian plc (in administration) being in administration."
Hearts manager Gary Locke was happy the situation had reached a positive outcome. He said: "I am really pleased. Danny was already due to be part of the team and the administration has made no difference to his status. I appreciate that there have been some difficult decisions made regarding player redundancies.
"But given that Danny has agreed to a wage cut and is happy to be playing for Hearts, this gives us an opportunity to improve the team for the forthcoming season so why wouldn't we jump at the chance to have him on our side?"
Lions 2013: Lions hopeful on Alex Corbisiero and Jamie Roberts By Bryn Palmer BBC Sport
The British and Irish Lions hope to have centre Jamie Roberts and prop Alex Corbisiero available for Saturday's final-Test decider against Australia.
Roberts has missed the first two Tests after tweaking a hamstring against New South Wales Waratahs on 15 June.
Corbisiero impressed in the opening win over Australia but a calf strain saw him miss Saturday's loss in Melbourne.
Analysis
Will Carling Former England captain
"The slight concern for the Lions is I am not sure where we are generating any momentum or breaking any of the Australian defence, who looked pretty comfortable for most of the game.
"We don't have the power players in the backs and we are still trying to play the power game. That seems to be where we have come unstuck. It will be fascinating to see who is fit for the final game and what the tactics are.
"I think we are going to have to be a little bit more creative and play with a bit more variety to win this series."
"Alex and Jamie will hopefully be right for full training on Wednesday," said defence coach Andy Farrell.
He added both players will first "train hard" on Monday, when the Lions are also expecting the results of a scan on Sam Warburton's injured hamstring.
If they confirm the worst fears around the captain's participation in Sydney, the tourists are likely to make at least three changes, possibly more, for the final Test.
Corbisiero is likely to reclaim the loose-head starting berth from Mako Vunipola, while Roberts - as well as Manu Tuilagi - will come into the midfield equation.
Either Sean O'Brien or Justin Tipuric would replace Warburton, with scrum-half Mike Phillips also fit to resume after an injection in his troublesome knee last week.
Wing George North was also reported to be "fine" after receiving treatment for a blow to the neck, while hooker Tom Youngs said a back spasm he suffered had settled down after "a lot of drugs" from the Lions doctor.
Roberts and Corbisiero will attempt to prove their fitness while the rest of the squad enjoy two days off at their Sunshine Coast base in Noosa, Queensland, having travelled north from Melbourne on Sunday.
Farrell conceded that Australia deserved to win Saturday's nailbiting second Test at the Etihad Stadium, but denied the Wallabies now enjoy the psychological advantage approaching the decider.
Lions down under 2013
Sat 1 June: Won 59-8 v Barbarians, Hong Kong
Wed 5 June: Won 69-17 v Western Force, Perth
Sat 8 June: Won 22-12 v Queensland Reds, Brisbane
Tue 11 June: Won 64-0 v Combined New South Wales-Queensland Country, Newcastle
Sat 15 June: Won 47-17 v New South Wales Waratahs, Sydney
Tue 18 June: Lost 14-12 v ACT Brumbies, Canberra
Sat 22 June: Won 23-21 v Australia, First Test, Brisbane
Tue 25 June: Won 35-0 v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne
Sat 29 June: Lost 16-15 v Australia, Second Test, Melbourne
Sat 6 July: Australia, Third Test, Sydney
"We were lucky in the first game to get away with the win, and we could have won the second game, so I suppose you could say 1-1 is a fair way to look at it," he said.
"It is all on for the last one now. We have a couple of days off and lick our wounds before getting back into it.
"Everyone is aware of the size of the task and what is at stake. We all realise it is the biggest game of our lives.
"It was a do-or-die situation for Australia and they rose to the challenge. I thought they were deserved winners. But it was a one-point game, it could have gone either way and I think both teams will be confident going into next week.
"Big-game players normally produce when it counts, and it counts no more so than this weekend."
Farrell said he expected Leigh Halfpenny, who missed a long-range penalty from nearly 55m that would have won the series for the Lions with the last kick of the game, to suffer no ill effects from the missed opportunity.
"Leigh is a perfectionist," he added. "He is a little bit hurt but it would have been a miracle really if that kick had gone over. It was a hell of a long way out.
"He asks a lot of himself and the way he has been kicking, he would expect it to go over. But he had an excellent kicking game again."
Here's an overview of the top five stories of the year on FC Barcelona's official website
The 2012/13 season saw FC Barcelona run away with the league title in record fashion, and it also saw Barça fans flock to FC Barcelona’s official website to get the latest news on the Club. Here’s a quick look at the most read stories on fcbarcelona.com from the 2012/13 season:
1) Neymar da Silva to join FC Barcelona for the next five seasons
2) Neymar's first day as a Barça player
3) Live! All Details about FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 Awards
4) Messi’s son Thiago is born
5) Schedule for Neymar’s first day at FC Barcelona
Wayne Rooney has been encouraged to join Barcelona by Camp Nou new-boy Neymar as speculation continues to surround the future of the Manchester United striker.
England international Rooney, who has two years left on his contract, requested a transfer at the end of last season and has been linked with a £25million move to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea as a result.
Reports on Sunday claimed the former Everton youngster has held a secret meeting with David Moyes and has told the incoming United boss he will stay at Old Trafford if he gets a new deal to replicate his current big-money terms.
But ahead of the Confederations Cup final, Brazil star Neymar wants Rooney to follow in his footsteps and move to Spanish heavyweights Barcelona this summer.
Neymar said: "The style of football we [Barcelona] play and the level of the players we have - we are the perfect club for the top players to join.
"I have met Wayne on a few occasions and he seems a good guy but importantly, he is one of the players I admire most in the world.
"Wayne is one of the most gifted and technical players in the world.
"Of course he would improve Barcelona. He would improve any club in Europe. And on a personal level, it would be a dream to play with him."
As many as eleven Barça players could play a part in the Confederations Cup final between Brazil and Spain (12 am, Telecinco)
For Spain it’s a chance to win the competition for the first time while Brazil will looking to add to their three previous successes
Two of the best national sides in the world will be locked in a duel which many see as a pre-taste of the World Cup final in 2014. It promises to be a superb game of football with both teams boasting an embarrassment of talent. And fittingly on such an auspicious occasion, there are no fewer than eleven Barça players – nine for Spain and two for Brazil – who will be hoping to make the starting line-up tonight in the Maracaná (12 am, Telecinco).
A shaky road to the final
Both teams have made unexpectedly hard work of reaching the final, Spain needing a penalty shootout to get past Italy in the semi-finals – albeit a penalty shootout that will be long remembered for the quality of the spot kicks. The match itself failed to produce a goal in 120 minutes but four Barça players (Xavi, Iniesta, Piqué and Busquets) were among the seven players to send Spain through 7-6 on penalties.
In the other semi-final, Brazil conceded an early penalty to Uruguay and Neymar and Alves could only look on as Fórlan took the spot kick – it was saved by Julio Cesar. Fred put Brazil ahead just before halftime after Uruguay keeper Muslera could only block Neymar’s goal-bound effort. Cavani got a second half equaliser but a late Neymar corner headed in by Paulinho gave Brazil a place in the final.
Eight previous meetings
Spain and Brazil have met in five competitive matches and three friendlies. The last time was in an exhibition match in Vigo. On that occasion Barça was represented by Guardiola, Abelardo, Sergi and Luis Enrique for Spain and club team-mate Rivaldo for Brazil. The match ended goalless.
Brazil has had the better of the encounters with four wins, two defeats and two draws. The stage is set for a mouth-watering final in the new Maracaná – and whatever the result, the Barça contingent of Neymar, Alves, Andrés Iniesta, Piqué, Xavi and Busquets etc is a guarantee of spectacle on a grand scale.
