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 a superb 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.
US goalkeeper Tim Howard produced several good saves before striker Luis Fabiano took his tournament tally to five when he scored immediately after the restart and headed the equaliser in the 74th minute. Brazil captain Lucio completed his side’s stunning recovery when he rose superbly to power home an Elano corner six minutes from time. Brazil coach Dunga said that he was delighted by his team's performance.
“Even after we went 2-0 down the team was still sure of itself. We told them at halftime to play down the wings, keep patient. We did that, we have been together for 29 days and we were determined to win it,” Dunga said.
“It is very difficult to overcome a 2-0 deficit, it is not easy, but if you have committed players who never give up then you have a chance and we came back in the second half. We showed a high level of professionalism.” Brazil had beaten the US 3-0 in the group stage but faced a far tougher challenge in the final.
“The feeling is a mix of great disappointment but also great pride,” said USA coach Bob Bradley. USA stunned Brazil by taking the lead in the 10th minute.
“It is very difficult to overcome a 2-0 deficit, it is not easy, but if you have committed players who never give up then you have a chance and we came back in the second half. We showed a high level of professionalism.” Brazil had beaten the US 3-0 in the group stage but faced a far tougher challenge in the final.
“The feeling is a mix of great disappointment but also great pride,” said USA coach Bob Bradley. USA stunned Brazil by taking the lead in the 10th minute.
Result
Brazil 3 (Luis Fabiano 46, 74; Lucio 84) USA 2 (Clint Dempsey 10; Landon Donovan 27)