Contrasting paths of Bosque, Scolari

Tale of two coaches

Spain's famously lugubrious coach Vicente Del Bosque broke into a rare smile and laughter while answering a question about his passion for football.

The 62-year-old said on Saturday night that soccer was not just his passion, but also "his secret vice." Del Bosque's mournful hangdog expression disguises a master tactician and thinker who has led Spain to the World Cup in 2010 and European title in 2012 as well as an unbeaten run of 29 competitive games.

"I have been privileged to have been a player and football is my passion and its my vice, if I confess it," Del Bosque said. "I am very much enjoying this moment, I have had marvellous moments as a player in great teams, and right now, I am coaching a team which is in one of its best-ever phases. So I am enjoying it, even if I am not showing it that obviously," he laughed.

"I am highly satisfied, and for all of us this is something very beautiful. We are playing Brazil, the kings of football who have lived through marvellous moments in their football history, and to play in Maracana is something very special.

I am delighted we are playing here and perhaps we can come back and play the World Cup final here as well in 2014,” said Del Bosque while touching upon on the Confederations Cup final between Brazil and Spain. He brushed aside a question about the fitness of Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos and Sergio Busquets, merely saying his players were in "good shape".

If Del Bosque was all smiles and laughter, his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Felipe Scolari was in much more sombre mood. For him the Confederations Cup has been all about regaining the lost credibility of Brazilian football and regain the respect of fans.

Scolari said the impressive run in the tournament could be the start of a new era for five-time world champions. "We have overcome a lot of hurdles and we have really grown together over the last 30 days, and for the 15 days in this competition," Scolari said. "I think what would be so important for us is to regain a lot of credibility and respect from our own fans in Brazil,” said Scolari.

Asked what message Brazil would want to convey to their fans from the Confederations Cup, Scolari enthused: "A very clear message that we are on the right path for the title in 2014.”