Confederations Cup 2013: 10 years since Brazil’s last great achievement

A decade ago, the Brazilian national team emerged victorious in the FIFA Confederations Cup with a comfortable win over Spain
by
Martín O'Donnell
2023-06-04 10:00:06

When it comes to the greatest powerhouses in international football, Brazil will probable be one of, if not the first that comes to mind. Throughout history, the Seleção has produced countless talents that cemented a legacy in what O Rei Pelé dubbed as “the beautiful game.”

Besides, we’re talking about the most successful team of all time, with five World Cup titles to their name. However, it’s been a while since La Canarinha last won an international prize. Though they lifted the Copa America at home in 2019, their last success in a FIFA tournament came 10 years ago at the Confederations Cup.

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10 years since the Seleção’s last FIFA title

In 2013, Brazil established themselves as the strongest contender to win the 2014 World Cup after emerging victorious in the Confederations Cup. With a commanding 3-0 win over the then reigning world champs Spain, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team was showing its credentials ahead of the big tournament to be held in its territory the following year.

That day, La Verde-amarela gave their fans reasons for optimism at a packed Maracanã. Their starting eleven was Julio Cesar; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo; Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho; Fred, Oscar, Neymar; Hulk. It was pretty much the same team that eventually finished fourth in the World Cup, in what turned out to be a disappointing performance for the most successful nation in tournament history. Will we see Brazil back on top of the world soon?