Brazil vs. Spain: Selecao Must Be Considered Favorite for 2014 World Cup

Brazil didn't just win the Confederations Cup, they sent a message to the rest of the soccer world that there is a new bully on the international block. 

On Sunday, in the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil easily handled reigning world soccer beasts Spain, 3-0.

A Selecao jumped ahead 1-0 with the below miraculous goal by Fred in just the second minute and never looked back. 

Spain had some decent looks, but Brazil dominated this match. While I entered that match knowing Brazil had a strong shot at victory, it was shocking to see them dominate Spain in this fashion. 

Now, I don't think Brazil is three goals better than Spain. In that match, just about everything went right for Brazil. They clearly deserved the win, but the 3-0 margin was a little more lopsided than the action on the field. 

More than that though, is the fact that Brazil was facing a tired Spain team.

Entering the final with one day less rest, Spain also had to deal with the fact that their semifinal win over Italy was particularly grueling. They needed penalties before advancing. While Spain isn't likely to offer up fatigue as an excuse, there is no doubt it was a factor.

Also, there is the fact that this match was in Brazil. 

However, as you've probably noticed, the World Cup will also be held in Brazil, and the host nation has to now be considered the favorite. 

Obviously, there are more teams in the World Cup than Brazil and Spain, but it is Spain that has been the best team in the world. So, for any team to be considered the favorite, that team must first compare itself to Spain. 

Brazil is now the only team that has a real argument to get the nod over the world's No. 1 team. After all, Spain's loss ended a record 29 consecutive unbeaten matches in competitive play. 

Brazil didn't topple Spain with gimmicky play, either. They just played sound soccer with phenomenal athletes. With Neymar and Fred manning the attack, Paulinho roaming the midfield, David Luiz heading the back and Julio Cesar in goal, Brazil has the athletes to overtake tiki-taka. 

Brazil was far too quick and strong to be limited by Spain's style of play. 

Spain still won the possession battle in the championship match, but they did so with just 52 percent. 

Brazil is the most explosive team on the planet, they are well balanced and they should be considered the favorites for the 2014 World Cup.