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Brazil rallies to beat US in Confed Cup final

June 29, 2009 15:21 IST
The prize on offer

The Confederations Cup trophy is pictured before the final match between Brazil and the US at Ellis Park.

The death of Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe was commemorated by FIFA when his son read an emotional address to the crowd before the final on Sunday.

Marc-Scott Foe, wearing a Cameroon shirt with his father's No.17 on the back, thanked FIFA for the support his family had received since Marc-Vivien Foe, aged 26, died after collapsing during the Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia in Lyon, France in 2003.

Images of Foe were shown on the stadium's two giant screens while the players of both teams stood together in the centre of the pitch.

US had a perfect start...

June 29, 2009 15:21 IST
Landon Donovan of the US celebrates with Clint Dempsey after scoring against Brazil during the Confederations Cup final

In the first half, it was all looking good for the Americans, playing in the men's final of a FIFA tournament for the first time, in the first half when Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan gave the team a 2-0 halftime lead.

"You realize why these guys are worth so much at times like this, but it's still disappointing," Donovan said.

"We are in the position where we don't want respect, we want to win."

...but Brazil came back strong

June 29, 2009 15:21 IST
Brazil captain Lucio celebrates with his team mate Luis Fabiano after scoring the winning goal against the US

But Brazil's 'Beautiful Game' came alive in the second half with three comeback goals in a 3-2 win.

Luis Fabiano scored two of the goals and Lucio added the third in the 84th minute to give Brazil its second straight Confederations Cup title and third overall.

Kaka was impressive as usual

June 29, 2009 15:21 IST
Kaka of Brazil controls the ball during his team's Confederations Cup final against the US

Kaka was impressive yet again for Brazil.

The Real Madrid-bound 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year played a crucial role throughout the match and had an instrumental role in Brazil's equaliser.

The trophy is regained

June 29, 2009 15:21 IST
The Brazilian players celebrate their triumph

Brazil really did look like a beaten team in the first 45 minutes but came back strong after the interval.

"At halftime, we said there was something lacking, some lack of positioning," Brazil coach Dunga said through a translator.

"We corrected that and we pressured our opponent in the second half and we were able to score a goal."

Fabulous Fabiano

June 29, 2009 15:21 IST
Luis Fabiano

Brazil's Luis Fabiano celebrates with the Golden Boot trophy after finishing as the top goal scorer in the tournament with five goals.

Fabiano started the comeback in the 46th minute.

The striker collected a pass from Ramires before turning and shooting past defender Jay DeMerit for his fourth goal of the tournament.

He added a tournament-leading fifth to equalize in the 74th, heading in a rebound after Kaka's cross was kicked against the crossbar by Robinho.

The Sevilla forward finished second behind teammate Kaka in the race for the Golden Ball.

We just can't get enough of Kaka

June 29, 2009 15:21 IST
Kaka

Kaka celebrates with his Golden Ball trophy after Brazil defeated the US to win the Confederations Cup final.

The former AC Milan player scored two goals in the tournament and was named the best footballer of the tournament for his impressive display.

Kaka paid tribute to his teammates for taking Brazil to the title and allowing him to win the player of the tournament.

"I'm very happy to be player of the final and the championships," he said.

"Most important, as I've said before, I can only be player of the tournament because Brazil are the champions and if they weren't then I wouldn't get this award, so I would like to thank my teammates."

Source: REUTERS
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