Maracana magic by Brazil to claim Confederations Cup

Neymar of Brazil celebrates scoring his team's second goal in its 3-0 victory over Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup.

But the build up to the final was marred by clashes between protesters and police in the streets near the Maracana.

The match itself was fully committed, with players from both sides desperate to finish the tournament in style.

The mood on the streets of Rio de Janeiro remained hostile as Brazil and Spain took to the pitch.

Many people in the streets near the stadium were affected by the effects of tear gas.

But inside the stadium, Brazilian fans attempted to put the country's problems aside for 90 minutes.

Hulk of Brazil and Sergio Ramos of Spain compete for the ball in a match the hosts dominated.

In the end, two goals from Fred (pictured) and Neymar gave Brazil an emphatic win over the World and European champions.

Brazil players Dante, left, and Dani Alves, in a wig, celebrate with their winner's medals.

Spain's Xavi and Cesar Azpilicueta of Spain appear dejected in defeat.

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Glory on the pitch masks unrest in Brazil

Football amid fury: Protests rage as Brazil lifts Confederations Cup

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Editor's note: Ready to Play debuts on CNN International on July 26 at 1530 GMT.

(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.

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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.

"Nobody expected such an emphatic result, not against the world champions," said Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari after the match, in quotes carried by Fifa.com.

"But let's not get carried away. This is more than a title because we've shown that we're on the right path and that we can now take a little more confidence with us as we travel down it."

With the tournament overshadowed by ongoing unrest across the country, Scolari said he hoped the result would bring some relief.

"It's a message for the whole of Brazil. We have to get along and stick together to make sure things move forward."

His opposite number, meanwhile, was philosophical in defeat.

"Obviously this defeat hurts, but I think deep down that we've had a good Confederations Cup," Vicente Del Bosque told reporters.

"I'd rather take the positives away with me today. I've been with an exceptional group of players who have given their all in what have been a fantastic 28 days together."

Earlier, Italy beat Uruguay 3-2 on penalties to claim third spot after the game ended 2-2 after extra time in Salvador.