Confed Cup Final
June 29, 2009
Bayern Munich defender and Brazilian captain Lucio was the hero for Brazil in the 84th minute, heading the winning goal in at the near post after a corner from substitute Elano.
Ths goal capped a great second half comeback from Brazil, who trailed to goals from Clint Dempsey and Landon Donoavn at half time. Luis Fabiano, the top scorer in the Confederations Cup tournament in South Africa, netted a brace of goals to pull his side level.
US keeper Tim Howard made a string of sensational saves in the second half, fighting to maintain his team's lead - but in the end it wasn't enough. The US were fighting for their first ever international soccer trophy.
"That defeat really hurt," US coach Bob Bradley told reporters after the game. "I'm extremely proud of my players, but it still feels pretty lousy to let this one get away."
"I hope though that people around the world see we have a good team and great players and it is a big step forward."
The US had beaten European Champions Spain in order to reach the final at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg. Spain faced host nation South Africa in the third place playoff, also on Sunday evening. The Spaniards won the match 3-2, but needed extra time to secure the victory.
Brazil, the most successful footballing nation in history, have now secured their third Confederations Cup title.
msh/dpa/AFP
Editor: Andy Valvur