RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian striker Neymar was named as the best player of the Confederations Cup after his fourth goal of the tournament helped Brazil seal a 3-0 win over world champions Spain in the final at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday.
Neymar, who has joined Barcelona from Santos for 57 million euros ($74.09m) won the Golden Ball, awarded to the best player in the competition after a vote among the media.
Andres Iniesta of Spain and Paulinho from Brazil were second and third respectively.
The 21-year-old Neymar, however, urged a word of caution to his compatriots among the celebrations following Brazil’s demolition of the world and European champions.
“Lets keep calm, let’s keep our feet on the ground,” he said as Brazil emerged as serious contenders to win the World Cup on home soil in a year’s time. “We did very well and we are on the right track.
“We needed this time to train, we get to know each other and to work together and we are much better than we were. We won the title and that was a great end to a great tournament.”
Neymar began the tournament with a brilliant strike against Japan, added goals against Mexico and Italy then ended it with another superb goal against Spain when he lashed the ball past keeper Iker Casillas just before halftime.
Spain’s Fernando Torres, who scored five goals and was joint top scorer along with Fred of Brazil, won the Golden Boot for having an assist in his four matches, while Fred had one assist but played one more match.
Brazil’s Julio Cesar collected the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper while Spain took the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.
Meanwhile,Premier League new boys Hull City yesterday announced the signing of Scotland international goalkeeper Allan McGregor from Turkish club Besiktas for an undisclosed fee.
The 31-year-old former Rangers player has signed a three-year contract with the Tigers, who were promoted from the second-tier Championship last season. “I’m really excited to be here and I’m happy that everything is done now,” McGregor said. “I can’t wait to get started here. This is a great chance for me to play in the Premier League.”
REUTERS
