Barcelona v Santos - Men against boys.

From the moment the two sides lined up alongside each other in the International Stadium Yokohama the outcome was certain - Watching Neymar in particular, the 'Brazilian Wonderkid', the hope of 'The next Generation' - gazing across at Lionel Messi's figure in the sort of way a student would look up to their teacher or a child would adoringly look up to their parent.







I read a BBC columnist describe the game in terms of Mohammed Ali: "Like watching Mohammed Ali against some outgunned challenger", to me - this performance was that and much more.

Whilst Barcelona eased through comprehensively with a routine 4-0 win over Al Sadd, Santos struggled over the line with a less than convincing 3-1 victory over a spirited Kashiwa Reysol in the semis.  The universal belief, was that of no contest, in fact the whole tournament was just a bit of a stage for Barcelona to show their talent to the rest of the world - those unfortunate enough to have not yet witnessed it anyway.

"Mucha fuerza Guaje" - 'The Barcelona family' show their
support for injured forward Villa.

What was expected of this final though, was a sort of familiarity in styles - the well-documented 'Barcelona family' against this upcoming 'Santos family' - with the likes of Neymar and Ganso being led by figureheads such as Danilo, Borges and Edu Dracena.  Neymar had been well linked to a move to Barca's arch-rivals Real Madrid this year - so much so that he'd apparently penned a £53m transfer deal - all that was brushed aside recently, with the golden boy committing himself to his boyhood club until 2014.

The game could of been a 'What might of been' in terms of a possible 'Classico' pair-up or could well be a trial run for 'What will be' in the great fixture.  Either way, from the moment Neymar was caught almost idolising the impeccably focused World's number one star - stripped out in Barcelona's personal T-shirt tribute to injured David Villa - well, it could have been reminiscent of a scene where lambs are led to the slaughterhouse.

Now from a self-proclaimed 'Barcelona-lover', someone who appreciates the show they put on and enjoys nothing more than to see them rip through sides, this 90 minutes - particular the first half - was almost like the notch had been wound up a count.  They wanted to go out there, win it for their stricken friend but of more importance, show these South Americans that they are the best club side in the world bar none and show them and the rest just how far behind they really are.

As dramatic as it seems, the 4-0 outcome was incredibly kind on poor Santos.  All four goals were terrific and very much 'Barcelona goals' in their own right.  Messi's first goal was on another planet from most you've likely seen anywhere this year, it had it all, from the moment Messi chipped a ball into Xavi, the touch arching his leg behind him to swipe it out of the air and then the delicious through ball into Messi's ongoing run was a joy to behold and would have any fan of the beautiful game out of their seat - because this was it at its most beautiful.  The deft and measured finish summed up Messi's poaching instinct and that difference that led his side to the Club World Cup trophy and himself 'The Golden Ball', whilst Neymar glumly received the Bronze.

Messi's phenominal opener - had everything.

The almost embarrassing nature of Barca's 3-0 half-time lead was softened a little when Santos appeared in the second-half a more spirited outfit (and one that has just had an earful from their boss!).  A further Brazilian starlet, Ganso, played in the shadows of world beaters Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Thiago for all of the first half began to find his promising range of passing.  Neymar found himself staring down the nostrils of Victor Valdes on at least two occasions in the second 45 and profited from neither - that poise and composure lacked in his approach - it almost appeared if he felt he couldn't or he wasn't good enough to score against The Catalonians.

Neymar the next Pelé?

Taking the game into its real context it must be acknowledged that yes - Santos did only finish 10th last year in their reasonable average Brazilian State Championship, whilst of course, no one need reminding of Barcelona's 2011 merits.  But what this game served up the chance for was an exhibition, perhaps of the future world stars, the next in a long, long line of Brazilian success stories - Neymar receives numerous Pelé comparisons for pete sake!  The occasion to back these up, came and went - in the blink of an eye - the speed of a Barcelona break-away remains quite something to behold.

Neymar with bronze - Messi with gold: The
start of a great, future rivalry?

Neymar has been described to be one not lacking in self-confidence, he wouldn't of left this stadium thinking "I will never be where he is" or "I'll never be in a squad that successful" he will be analysing his own game - what's is missing from his play that summed up many a purple and blue jerseys dominance?

He may well get his big, big money move into Europe before the end of his 2014 contract, he almost certainly will in fact.  Possible suitors will not be put off by those 90 minutes, Neymar showed in glimpses he had that something special.  Everyone on the planet will just know, as Neymar quoted post-match:

"Barcelona deserved to win.  They are the best team in the world and we learnt an important lesson."

Humbling words from the new-pretender.

Neymar and co can only watch on as the Argentina effortlessly
glides through their defence.