Brazil vs. Spain: What Results of Confederations Cup Final Mean for Both Teams

The 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup ended with the two teams that we expected all along, but not quite the tightly contested final that was all but guaranteed heading into the match as Brazil dominated Spain, 3-0.

Although Sunday was all about winning that championship trophy for Brazil, both teams have a lot they can learn from the telling match, as it relates to their preparations for the 2014 World Cup. 

Spain will be coming into next summer's tournament as the defending champions, and won't take kindly to the prospect of losing their crown. Brazil, the host country that is playing as well as any team on the planet, figures to be their stiffest competition.

Let's take a look at what each team can take from the match, as they look to improve before next summer's affair. 

Spain

Spain had their moments in the 2013 Confederations Cup, but it all culminated in them doing what they hardly ever do—losing a game.

Now, they're stuck having to look back at a 3-0 domination at the hands of Brazil as a telling point for how they must improve.

The biggest issue of Spain's that Brazil exposed was their disorganization on defense, which led to flat-footed Spanish defenders trying to contain some of the speediest attackers in world football. A back line that is usually so quick to nullify attackers was exposed as out of position and just plain slow.

Spain was able to hold tall on defense on so many occasions in this tournament, but Brazil proved that they certainly have problems. As great as Spain looks when they control possession for 60 percent of a game, it pales in comparison to being unable to stifle the attacks of world-class teams.

Plus, the striker position is still somewhat of a question mark. Fernando Torres played well enough in the Confederations Cup to give him a passing score, but is it enough to quell his doubters and prove that he's worthy of such a royal position?

Let's face it—if Spain wants to win next year's World Cup, they'll likely have to beat either Brazil or Germany. And if they don't get their act together on both sides of the pitch, their title could be in jeopardy.

Brazil

Sunday's match was far from a must-win for Brazil, but they took a nation sparked in controversy and put it above all else, rising above even the world's best national team.

Brazil came into the match with the chance to win one more match in front of their home fans before they start their World Cup bid next summer, and they left them nothing short of entertained. Fred scored on his back to get things going early on, and Brazil held onto a close lead before pulling away early in the second half.

The Brazilians have proven so much in this tournament. They are finally back to the point of being a consistent elite squad, after a few years where it wasn't uncommon to write them off. 

Neymar has come into his own over the summer, validating his Barcelona move and proving that he's capable of becoming the world's next best player. For a Brazilian team that is looking for its next leader, Neymar's emergence has come at the perfect time. 

On top of that, Fred has turned into a formidable striker who is finishing every chance that comes his way. 

It's certainly a long way away from next summer, and it'll be a massive task to say the least for Brazil to keep up this level of play until then. But for now, the results of the Confederations Cup is nothing short of promising for the host country.