The Confederations Cup final got off to a brilliant start after ten minutes when the United States moved ahead of the Samba Boys as Clint Dempsey turned home a Jonathan Spector cross from the right. Tim Howard saved from Robinho as the Brazilians looked to strike back quickly. In the 25th minute the Americans scored a superb counter-attacking second, the US broke out of defence through Clarke, with the ball arriving to Donovan, then onto Charlie Davies and finally back to Landon Donovan, and the Galaxy striker applied the clinical finish from 15-yards. (BBC first half highlights & analysis here.) Brazil score a minute into the second half, the ball was fed into Luis Fabiano with the forward?s back to goal, Fabiano spun and his shot beat Howard. The Brazilians then began to turn the screw and their constant pressure eventually paid dividends in the 74th minute when Luis Fabiano grabbed his second after Robinho had hit a Kaka cross onto the bar. It the 83rd minute Brazil?s comeback was complete, Elano swung in a cross from the right and a towering Lucio header gave Dunga the lead for the first time in the final.
Tags : FIFA Confederations Cup 2009, South Africa Final
