Maracana magic by Brazil to claim Confederations Cup July 1, 2013 -- Updated 0050 GMT (0850 HKT) Two-goal Brazil striker Fred gets the plaudits as the hosts beat Spain 3-0 in the Confederations Cup final. Brazil beat Spain 3-0 in Confederations Cup final Two goals from Fred and the other from Neymar Spain's Gerard Pique red carded in second half World champions Spain also miss a penalty (CNN) -- 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. Read: World Cup only benefits outsiders, say protesters 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. Earlier, Italy beat Uruguay 3-2 on penalties to claim third spot after the game ended 2-2 after extra time in Salvador. June 19, 2013 -- Updated 1231 GMT (2031 HKT) In Brazil many believe the World Cup has seen the rich line their pockets, while the poor make do with crumbling public services. No European team has ever won a World Cup in South America, but that could likely change next year, says CNN's John Sinnott. 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March 29, 2013 -- Updated 0938 GMT (1738 HKT) Sunderland's partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation is part of its bid to woo the African market. March 28, 2013 -- Updated 1558 GMT (2358 HKT) Each year as many as 700 Cameroonian young footballers leave Africa in search of a professional career abroad. May 6, 2013 -- Updated 1201 GMT (2001 HKT) Referees across Europe are feeling the heat. Insulted, threatened, chased off the field, attacked, hospitalized and, tragically, killed. February 26, 2013 -- Updated 1225 GMT (2025 HKT) Footballers have a battery of physios, fitness trainers and doctors all striving to fine-tune their physique -- but are they missing a trick? June 10, 2013 -- Updated 1041 GMT (1841 HKT) Hardcore Italian football "ultra" Federico is a Lazio supporter who happily admits directing monkey chants at black players.