Brazil rallies to sink US in Confeds Cup final

Brazil rallies to sink US in Confeds Cup final

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: Holders Brazil fought back from 2-0 down with three second-half goals to beat the United States 3-2 and win the Confederations Cup for the third time in an entertaining final on Sunday.

The US, who shocked Spain in the semis, looked set to complete an even greater upset when goals by Clint Dempsey and skipper Landon Donovan put them 2-0 ahead at halftime.

Brazil players celebrate with the trophy after defeating the US to win the Confederations Cup final soccer match in Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg June 28 2009.

US goalkeeper Tim Howard produced several good saves before striker Luis Fabiano took his tournament tally to five just after the restart and he equalised with a header.

Brazil captain Lucio completed his side's stunning recovery when he rose superbly to power home an Elano corner six minutes from time.

The match was a fitting climax to an outstanding tournament which provided shocks, excellent football and noisy crowds, auguring well for next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

The US stunned Brazil by taking the lead with a fortuitous goal by Dempsey.

He connected with Jonathan Spector's cross and although he did not get a perfect touch the ball sped past Julio Cesar.

Astonishingly, the Americans doubled their lead after 27 minutes.

Donovan started the move deep in his own half when he found Ricardo Clark who broke down the left before sending a perfect cross back to Donovan.

His first touch wrong-footed Ramires, creating an opening for the striker who switched the ball to his left foot and cracked it past Julio Cesar for his 40th international goal in his 114th match.

Brazil had beaten the US 14 times in 15 previous meetings but keeper Howard kept the outsiders firmly in control with a number of fine saves.

Brazil had the majority of the possession but rarely threatened until a minute after the restart when Luis Fabiano turned and shot through the legs of a defender in one movement.

Brazil twice went close to an equaliser, Howard pulling off an excellent diving save from a Lucio header and getting lucky when Kaka's downward header looked to have crossed the line before the keeper held on to it.

But he was not quite as fortunate the next time Brazil hit the bar.

Kaka accelerated past Spector on the left before crossing to Robinho on the six-yard line. He first time shot came back off the bar to Luis Fabiano who headed in the rebound.

Jonathan Bornstein of the US reacts after losing their Confederations Cup final soccer match against Brazil in Johannesburg June 28, 2009.

Brazil were now in command and the decisive breakthrough came when Lucio rose to power the ball home with a his head.

There is a reason Brazil has won so many titles over the years, though, and it wasn't about to let another slip away.

Luis Fabiano started the comeback in the 46th minute. The striker collected a pass from Ramires before turning and shooting past defender Jay DeMerit for his fourth goal of the tournament.

"We gave up the first goal so early in second half," Bradley said. "We really put ourselves in a tough spot."

Luis Fabiano added a tournament-leading fifth goal to equalize in the 74th, heading in a rebound after Kaka's cross was kicked against the crossbar by Robinho.

The Americans caught a break in the 60th when Kaka headed a cross from Andre Santos to the near post. Howard stepped back into his goal and knocked the shot off the underside of the crossbar and then grabbed it safely in his arms. Kaka appealed, arguing that the ball crossed the line before Howard was able to get to it, and television replays indicated he was correct.

It wouldn't matter, with Lucio delivering the decisive goal in the 84th when he headed a corner kick from Elano past Howard. Brazil has now won eight matches in a row, and is unbeaten in 16.

"You look around at their players, and you realize why they're worth so much and why they play at the teams that they play," Donovan said. "It's disappointing when we gave such a good effort today."

As the Brazilians gathered in a circle and jumped up and down in celebration, the Americans remained on the field, watching in stony silence. Many climbed up to get their medals with their heads bowed, and there were few smiles in sight.

Felipe Melo (top) of Brazil collides with Clint Dempsey of the US during their Confederations Cup final soccer match at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg June 28, 2009.

Clint Dempsey of the US scores a goal past Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar (L) as Lucio (C) watches, during the Confederations Cup final soccer match at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg June 28, 2009.

Charlie Davies (front) and Sacha Kljestna of the US react after losing their Confederations Cup final soccer match against Brazil in Johannesburg June 28, 2009.

Actors perform during the closing ceremony before the Confederations Cup final soccer match between Brazil and the US at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg June 28, 2009.

Brazil players celebrate with the trophy after defeating the US to win the Confederations Cup final soccer match in Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg June 28 2009. Brazil won the match 3-2.
[Agencies]