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Brazil rallies to sink US in Confeds Cup final

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-29 09:10

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. [Agencies]

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.

Related readings:  Brazil can get even better, says coach  Brazil struggles but finds Confeds Cup win  US celebrate huge victory against Spain  US shock Spain to reach Confederations final  Brazil turn on samba style to thrash US 3-0

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.

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