Brazil danced past Spain in Samba style, recording a 3-0 win to lift the Confederation Cup. As expected, Neymar was the star though it was Fred who came up with two goals. Featured on the latest Time magazine (Latin America) cover, Neymar was a thorn in Spain's defence. Some of the Spain players, including Gerard Pique who was given a red card for a fault on the Brazilian new "wonder boy", will be Neymar teammates this year when he plays for Barcelona this year. The first goal within two mintues shock Spain, the world champs, and further put pressure on them against a strong Brazilian team and a full-capacity Brazilian crowd. If Lutz's hadn't made that great save from Pedro just before the ball could cross the goaline, the Spaniards would have been spurred. Spain was further demoralised when Ramos screwed up the penalty. It was shcoking to see Ramos take the penalty when Spain have Inesta or Xavi who could have done better. Neymar was given the Golden Ball as the Player of the Tournament, and he perhaps deserve it. But is he the next Pele? I think he is still a long way to go to take over Pele's mantle. His true worth will be known in the Spanish league, a tougher one than the Brazilian league. Neymar showed some of his noted antics, particularly his ability to dive. He, however, didn't show magic. No doubt Pele, who first said Neymar was a "genius", told him to concentrate on his game rather than on his hair. He also advised Neymar to move to Europe where he can be judged as a player of merit. We have to wait and see how he performs in the company of Messi who Neymar considers as his hero. The Spanish league and the European circuit will be Neymar real testing grounds. Brazil's win should have made Goans happy, as Goans are largely supportive of the team, me included. Still not very much convinced of their play though the team won by three goals. As a couple of former Brazil stars said the team needs to strengthen before the World Cup.
Eugene Correia