Player-by-Player Review of Brazil's Confederations Cup Campaign

Brazil won the Confederations Cup in fine style on Sunday evening, beating reigning European and World champions Spain 3-0 in the Maracana, in what is a result that will go down in history.

Spain were unbeaten in a competitive match since the 2010 World Cup, but were dismantled by a Brazil side that has steadily grown into itself over the course of the tournament.

Having entered the competition at their lowest ebb for some time, the turnaround in Luiz Felipe Scolari's side has been simply remarkable. Just two weeks ago, title success would have been virtually unthinkable.

So, let's attempt to evaluate how Brazil's most important players contributed to the success.

Julio Cesar

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar's return to his former standing within football continues apace at the Confederations Cup, with the QPR goalkeeper not putting a foot wrong throughout the tournament.

A crucial saved penalty from Diego Forlan in the semifinal helped Brazil reach the final encounter with Spain, and there he once more pulled off a couple of remarkable saves to ensure his side retained their advantage.

The turnaround in his career progression over the past 12 months has been remarkable, and he will doubtless retain his position in the side for the 2014 World Cup.

Dani Alves

One of the quieter members of Brazil's side over the course of the competition, Dani Alves did little to silence the doubters who point to his markedly better performances in a Barcelona shirt.

However, Alves was solid in his defensive work and looked to contribute in attack where possible. For a player whose defensive contributions have previously fallen short of the standard expected, it has been a pleasing couple of weeks.

If he can push on more and overlap beyond Hulk, as Marcelo has done regularly on the other flank, it will further help Brazil's balance. Alves was not spectacular, but it is hard to be critical of his contributions.

Thiago Silva

A supreme display by Thiago Silva in the semifinal helped Brazil to reach the Maracana on Sunday, and while he may have been outshone on that occasion, he was as accomplished as ever.

Thiago Silva is the best centre-back in world football at present, and delivered a tournament long demonstration of just why that is the case.

His reading of the game is exemplary, as shown by several valuable late interventions in defence, while he has an ability to take the ball from an opponent with minimal need for contact.

If he performs in a similar manner next year, Brazil will be contenders for the World Cup title.

David Luiz

On his day, David Luiz also has the ability to join his central defensive colleague in the very top bracket of defenders worldwide. He is much criticised, but deserves great praise for a wonderful tournament.

Luiz got better as the tournament progressed, quickly moving on from some moments of over-enthusiasm in the opening couple of games, to become one of the stars of the latter stages.

He won over support with his efforts to play on against Mexico with a broken nose. However, it was his goal-saving clearance in the final that will be the enduring memory of his Confederations Cup campaign.

He has formed a brilliant partnership with Thiago Silva and, for as long as that continues, his place in the side will remain unquestioned.

Marcelo

Another player who will have, at least temporarily, silenced some of his critics is full-back Marcelo, who enjoyed a fine tournament on the left-side of the selecao defence.

There were a couple of defensive lapses in the group stage that he will need to cut out of his game next summer. However, when it really mattered, Marcelo was excellent in his play at both ends of the pitch.

Going forward, he has struck an excellent relationship with Neymar on the left-side of the Brazilian lineup. With Luiz Gustavo's presence allowing him to push forward, he is able to overlap and make an impact in attack.

Marcelo will be very pleased with his work over the past few weeks, and appears to have held off the challenge of Filipe Luis for now, at least.

Luiz Gustavo

The rock on which Brazil's attacking play was built, Luiz Gustavo's discipline at the base of the midfield was central to Felipão's plans for the side and worked brilliantly.

There have been some issues of balance in central midfield, as he and Paulinho work upon their partnership together. However, as he played slightly further up the pitch in the final, the pairing looked as solid as they have ever been.

Did Luiz Gustavo do enough to hold off the injured Sandro's claims for a place in the side? We don't know. What is clear, though, is he has staked what is a very strong claim for involvement next summer—whether as first-choice or backup.

Paulinho

Paulinho came into the tournament with a glowing reputation, and continued his fine form of the past two years to show his talents to an even wider audience.

He is now set to join Tottenham for £17 million (BBC), and will surely be a great signing for Andre Villas-Boas and his side. A powerful box-to-box presence, he showed throughout the tournament just how he could influence the game at both ends of the pitch.

Whichever player is chosen to anchor the midfield next summer, Paulinho has virtually ensured that he will be there partnering them. With valuable goals, a great work ethic and the ability to link play well, his energy is vital to the side.

Hulk

Of all the Brazil squad making their way back to their homes after the exertions of the past month, Zenit forward Hulk is likely to be among the most downcast.

For all of the positives in Brazil's success, Hulk was seemingly unable to make a great impact on games throughout the tournament. He was disciplined in his role on the right, and pressed well in defence, but he will need to show more if he is to play at the 2014 World Cup.

With Lucas and Bernard pushing strong for places, he simply must improve in coming friendlies. Defensive solidity is all well and good, but he must start contributing in attacking areas.

He was the weakest of Brazil's starting lineup at the Confederations Cup, but has time to prove his point before next summer.

Oscar

Over the past 12 months, Oscar has consistently been one of the best performers for Brazil, so it was to be expected that there would be a slight drop off at some point.

That said, the Chelsea midfielder did well to ensure that his loss of form was brief, and came back fighting in the semifinal and final to play an important role for his side.

Much was made of the number of games that the young playmaker has played over the past year, and fatigue would undoubtedly have contributed to his drop in form in the group stages.

Brazil are at their best, though, when Oscar is central to the attacking play, so it can only be hoped that he will arrive at World Cup 2014 rested and ready to shine.

Neymar

The star of the show as far as Brazil and, indeed, the whole tournament are concerned. Barcelona-bound Neymar has had plenty of detractors over the past couple of years, but hit back in style as the Player of the Tournament.

From his third minute goal in the tournament opener against Japan onwards, it was clear that the young star was ready to make his mark this summer. Four goals in five matches later, and his point was well-and-truly made.

The next year will be interesting for Neymar, who will now begin to make his name in European football. That he will succeed is virtually a foregone conclusion—he is not Robinho.

When confident and surrounded by a team that is comfortable in its setup, he is a potential world-beater. His stunning late assist against Mexico, for example, will be replayed over and over for many years to come.

Fred

Another player whose selection in the side has frequently been questioned is Fluminense striker Fred, who finished the tournament as joint top-scorer with five goals.

Despite being voted the best player of the Brazilian championship in 2012, and breaking 20 league goals over both the past two seasons, he has failed to win over many detractors.

For a player who is seen as not mobile enough for the top level, though, his record in 2013 under Scolari is simply incredible—having scored nine goals in 10 international fixtures.

The former-Lyon man showed his finishing prowess throughout the competition, and offered a fine focal point to the attack. With Neymar and Oscar busy interchanging positions behind him, there is no need for Fred to be anywhere else than in central areas awaiting service.