Five lessons learnt from the 2013 Confederations Cup

Neymar celebrates with fans at the end of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Final between Brazil and Spain at Maracana on June 30, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Getty Images)

3. Neymar is not overrated

The prodigy proved his critics wrong by winning golden-ball at the competition as he played a huge part in Brazil’s triumph. He had not been able to perform at the same level for the national side as he did at his club Santos as he was rather average at the Copa America 2011 and the Olympics.

The pressure mounted after his high-profile transfer to Barcelona but he answered his critics with flamboyance. His two stunning volleys in two consecutive games helped Brazil up the ante as they derived inspiration from the multitudes of fans that cheered for them throughout the competition.

He now heads to spend a critical year at the Camp Nou where he will grow a lot more and become a greater asset for Selecao for next year’s World Cup.