Advertisement

Fred scores fastest goal in a Confederations Cup final to unleash Brazil on Spain

Fueled by a sea of noise from the home crowd at the Maracana and with an unbeaten streak in competitive matches at home dating back to 1975 (56 games), circumstances conspired to give Brazil a quick lead on reigning world beaters Spain in the Confederations Cup final. A cross into the box in just the second minute of the match got lost in a confusion of bodies. Even though he was laying on the ground, Brazil striker Fred managed to put the ball past Iker Casillas to score the fastest goal Confederations Cup final history (which only dates back to 1992).

Emboldened by drawing first blood, Brazil continued to attack as Spain struggled to get any momentum in the first half. When they finally did get a shot past Brazil keeper Julio Cesar, David Luiz made a brilliant sliding clearance to maintain the lead. And then, riding a wave of confidence that could be seen from space, Neymar extended Brazil's lead to 2-0 just before halftime.

Here's David Luiz...

UPDATE: Second verse same as the first — Fred scored two minutes into the second half to put Brazil up 3-0. Spain then had a chance to get one back in the 53rd minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Sergio Ramos (yes, Sergio Ramos) put it wide.