Former world champion, Brazil came from two goals down to beat USA 3-2 in the Confederations Cup final. Goals from Fulham’s Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan had put the Americans, who had stunned Spain in the semi-finals, 2-0 up inside half an hour at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. But the South Americans stormed back with a superb second-half display.

Brazil retain Confederations Cup

Luis Fabiano fired in within a minute of the restart and after that the Brazilians piled forward. Brazil thought they had equalised when Kaka’s header appeared to have crossed the line, but the officials ruled Everton keeper Tim Howard had pushed it away just in time. However, the equaliser did soon arrive. On 74 minutes, Kaka’s cross was turned against the bar by Robinho but Luis Fabiano was on hand to nod in the rebound.

And the winner came with six minutes remaining, captain Lucio heading in a corner taken by Manchester City’s Elano from eight yards out.

The Americans had come painfully close to winning their first-ever FIFA international tournament, but in the end, goals from Luis Fabiano (46th and 74th minutes) and skipper Lucio (84th minute) were what the defending champions needed to retain the shield they won in Germany in 2006. Brazil will now hope to return to South Africa in 12 months’ time to add the World Cup trophy to their collection.

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