Worldwide press react to @njr92's performance against Spain in the Confederations Cup

Neymar / Photo FIFA.COM
Press outlets from around the globe highlight Neymar’s exhibition during the Brazil v Spain match at Maracaná

Neymar winning the MVP of the tournament and Brazil’s victory over Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup were the focus of headlines from sports dailies from around the globe on Monday night. The press focused on Neymar’s performance during the match which featured up to nine FC Barcelona players (Neymar, Alves, Piqué, Alba, Busquets, Pedro, Xavi, Iniesta and Villa).

‘SPORT’

With the title ‘Neymar Champion’ the Barcelona-based daily focused on the final of the Confederations Cup saying “Neymar scored a beautiful goal and he imposed his whirlwind style of football.”

‘MUNDO DEPORTIVO’

‘Neymar is crowned’ reads the headline of Mundo Deportivo, the daily also goes on to say that the MVP of the tournament “was unstoppable.”

‘MARCA’

The Madrid-based publication notes that Spain crashed at the Maracaná against a Brazilian team that was very superior due to their concentration, speed, intensity and physical prowess. In addition, Marca highlights Nerymar’s “stellar” performance.

‘EL PAÍS’

With a photo of Neymar on the cover, El País says that “La Roja were defeated by Brazil” in a match dominated by the home team.

‘AL JAZEERA’

“Neymar, the Confederations Cup sensation,” says Al Jazeera. The publication then goes on to highlight the award won by Barça’s newest player, the Golden Ball of the competition.  

‘GLOBOESPORTE’

The Brazilian outlet highlights Neymar’s brilliant performance with the headline “Muito prazer” which resulted in “el baile, golazo e inteligencia” of the new FC Barcelona player.

‘ LA GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT’

The Italian daily praises the Brazilian national team’s performance against Spain, who were “crushed and humiliated.”

‘NEW YORK TIMES’

The prestigious North American newspaper leads with “Neymar and Brazil rout Spain and live up to their billing.” The publication then goes on to compare the Brazilian youngster with other Brazilian greats like Ronaldo, Romário and Pelé.

‘L’ÉQUIPE’

The French outlet focuses on the amazing atmosphere at Maracaná which healped Brazil defeat the “king of football.”

‘RECORD’ (Portugal)

The Portuguese news outlet says that Neymar “cleared up any doubts” about his quality in a match where Brazil “did away with Spain.”

‘THE GUARDIAN’

The British publication focuses on the “majestic” goal scored by Neymar.

‘KOMPAS’ (Indonesia)

The popular Indonesian daily highlights Neymar’s contribution and the two goals scored by Fred in their leading story, “Spain destroyed 3-0, Brazil retain the Confederations Cup title.”

‘NIKKAN SPORTS’ (Japan)

The Japanese outlet, which leads with ‘Brazil, impeccable victory over Spain,’ highlights Neymar’s performance as an “exhibition of his great quality, he never showed selfishness on the pitch.”

Neymar and Alba to undergo tonsillectomies this Friday

Neymar and Alba / PHOTO: FIFA.COM
Both surgeries were scheduled to take place after the conclusion of the Confederations Cup

Neymar will undergo his surgery in Rio de Janeiro and a member of FC Barcelona’s Medical Services will be present, while Jordi Alba will undergo surgery in Catalonia

Neymar Jr and Jordi Alba will undergo tonsillectomies this Friday. Both surgeries were scheduled to be preformed after the conclusion of the Confederations Cup.

Neymar will undergo his surgery in Rio de Janeiro and a member of FC Barcelona’s Medical Services will be present, while Jordi Alba will undergo surgery in Catalonia.

The estimated time of recovery is about ten days.

Neymar wins Confederations Cup Golden Ball Award

Neymar, with trophies.  PHOTO: FIFA.COM
After a brilliant tournament, the Brazilian won his first individual award

Neymar has been named MVP of the Confederations Cup after Brazil’s 3-0 win over Spain in the final. FIFA awarded Barça’s new signing the Golden Ball Award for the tournament and the Bronze boot as the third highest scorer.

Neymar finished the Confederations Cup with 4 goals and was given the Bronze Boot as the third highest scorer in the Tournament after leading the Brazilian team to victory.

First individual award as an international

Barça’s new signing was voted the MVP of the games against Japan. Italy and Mexico and this award was his first on the international stage with Brazil.

Neymar was also the winner of the Bronze Boot in the 2011 World Club Cup with Santos, when they lost 4-0 in the final against Barça.

Top photo galleries of the year

Champions parade / Photo - Miguel Ruiz - FCB
Check out the most viewed photo galleries on FC Barcelona’s website from the 2012/13 season

The 2012/13 season was a record year for Barça in terms of traffic to the Club’s official web platform. A large part of the success is due to the amount of photos and photo galleries available on the site. Here’s a quick look at the most viewed photo galleries on fcbarcelona.com from the 2012/13 season:

1) The day Neymar played against Barca


2) Neymar steps on the pitch of the Camp Nou for the first time


3) First team kit 2013/14


4) The champions parade seen from the inside


5) First team away kit 2013/14

.@Njr92 and @DaniAlvesD2's Brazil win the 2013 Confederations Cup (3-0)

Neymar and Alves/ PHOTO: www.fifa.com
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

MATCH FACTS

Brazil, 3
Spain, 0

Brazil: Julio César, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho (Hernanes, min. 87), Hulk (Jadson, min. 72), Neymar, Oscar i Fred (Jo, min. 79).

Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa (Azpilicueta, min. 45), Piqué, Ramos, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Mata (Navas, min. 52), Pedro i Torres (Villa, min. 58).

Goals: 1-0, Fred (min. 2); 2-0, Neymar (min. 44); 3-0, Fred (min. 47);

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Holanda).

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.