Substitute Daniel Alves offered Brazil the berth in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup on Thursday by scoring a decisive goal in the last minutes in the semifinal against hosts South Africa.
 |
|
Kaka (L2) of Brazil vies for the ball during the semifinal match against South Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 25, 2009. Brazil won 1-0 and advanced to the final. [Xinhua Photo] |
Drawing strength from enthusiastic home fans in the South African business hub of Johannesburg, the Bafana Bafana which ranked 70 places below Brazil in the FIFA world rankings, kicked off the match brilliantly.
Midfielder Teko Modise burst past two defenders of the Selecao Brasileira in the fourth minute before Bayern Munich defender Lucio stopped him, igniting the cheers of South Africans.
The first goal opportunity came in the 14th minute when Brazilian forward Luis Fabiano squared the ball for midfielder Ramires. But the shot by Ramires was saved by South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
In the 37th minute, AC Milan midfielder Kaka almost broke the deadlock for Brazil. He got the ball on the wing and curled a powerful but wide shot.
 |
|
Gilberto Silva (L) of Brazil vies for the ball during the semifinal match against South Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 25, 2009. Brazil won 1-0 and advanced to the final. [Xinhua Photo] |
Brazil continued the initiative after the interval, although Kaka's corner led to nowhere. Similarly, South Africa's midfielder Modise forced a low shot but it was stopped precisely by Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar.
The Bafana Bafana also had their own opportunities in the first half which were highlighted by right-back Siboniso Gaxa who was hailed for competent defending and impressive bursts forward.
The defender who was almost unknown before the Confederations Cup unleashed a sweeping drive, but the effort ended narrowly wide of the right post of the Brazilian goal, leaving the Bafana Bafana faithful gasping in disappointment.
The Barcelona wing-back Daniel Alves of Brazil fired the decisive rocket in the 88th minute through a free kick which was 21 meters from the goal on the edge of the penalty area. The ball flew high inside the far post, leaving South African coach Joel Santana frowning.
The opportunity came after Blackburn Rovers defender of South Africa Aaron Mokoena made a foul on the edge of the area.
 |
|
Players of Brazil celebrate their victory after the semifinal match against South Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 25, 2009. Brazil won 1-0 and advanced to the final. [Xinhua Photo] |
Brazilian coach Dunga said after the game that they knew the match would be difficult. He explained that he chose Alves to emerge at the very end of the game as he knew the player was very quick and a specialist in set pieces.
Dunga added that they had to use every opportunity and the foul was perfect for them.
Brazil-born South Africa coach Satana praised the team and said he was very proud that the Bafana Bafana could even surprise Brazil, one the most powerful squad in the world.
He believed that the experience of the Brazilian side led to the result, adding that the South African team has another year to make good preparation for the World Cup.
Brazil will vie for the trophy of the intercontinental tournament against North American champions the Untied States on Sunday in Elis Park Stadium of Johannesburg, while South Africa will play European champions Spain for the third place on the same day in the central mining city of Rustenburg.
In the first semi-final on Wednesday, the Stars and Stripes achieved a stunning success of defeating the world's No.1 Spain 2-0, marching into the final of the Confederations Cup, their first-ever world final.
(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2009)
