Brazil reach confed final

paulinho heads brazil to confed final

A Paulinho header saw Brazil beat Uruguay 2-1 on Wednesday in an ill-tempered Fifa Confederations Cup semi-final in Belo Horizonte to set up a Final with either world champions Spain or Italy.

In the 14th minute Diego Forlan missed a penalty for Uruguay after David Luiz hauled Diego Lugano off the ball and the penalty was awarded. Forlan’s low spot kick was turned around the post by Julio Cesar.
Brazil took the lead just before half-time when Paulinho picked out Neymar's clever run in behind the Uruguay defence with a measured chip into the area and the Brazil No.10 controlled the ball on his chest before flicking it goal wards. Fernando Muslera saved well with his outstretched left arm but Fred was on hand to slice home the rebound
Uruguay replied in somewhat similar circumstances just three minutes into the second half, with Thiago Silva - of all players - inexplicably passing the ball straight to Cavani, after a game of pinball in the Brazilian box. The in-demand Napoli striker took a quick touch before beating Julio Cesar with a low strike into the far left corner.
Uruguay very nearly went ahead midway through the second half through a Luis Suarez header that was deflected just over, before Fred flashed a spectacular - but wayward - volley that never looked likely to trouble Muslera.
When extra-time looked inevitable Paulinho rose at the back post to meet Neymar's deep corner and beat Muslera with a fine downward header to put the hosts into Sunday's Final.

culled from kickoff.com