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Brazil rallies to sink US in Confeds Cup final

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

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. [Agencies]

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.

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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.

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