Pro Eleven Headline News

Brazil earns final against U.S.

The United States gets another chance at Brazil. And this time there's a trophy at stake.

Daniel Alves scored the only goal on a free kick in the 88th minute to give the Brazilians a 1-0 victory at the Confederations Cup on Thursday night in Johannesburg, sending the five-time World Cup champions into the final against the surprising United States and ending host South Africa's upset bid.

With time winding down, Ramires was tripped up at the edge of the box by South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena and sent tumbling.

Alves had been on the field for only six minutes, but Brazil coach Dunga called on him to take the free kick. He coolly stepped up and curled a shot into the far top corner, silencing the raucous home crowd.

The final is a rematch of last week's game in group play, when Brazil crushed the Americans 3-0. Brazil is 13-1 against the United States and has outscored the United States 26-8. Chicagotribune.com