Brazilians too good for hosts Germany

Brazil have repeated their 2002 World Cup exploits by defeating Germany 3-2 to advance to the final of the Confederations Cup against either Argentina or Mexico.

In energy sapping conditions it was Adriano who made the eventual difference for the South Americans as he scored two and won a penalty in a match which consigns the hosts to a third place playoff.

Ronaldinho was again named Captain and with the first chance of the match he was perhaps attempting an effort akin to his infamous 2002 effort against England, but this time his swinging free-kick drifted wide.

Michael Ballack of course missed the final in Japan through suspension but as Captain in the rematch he was determined to exert a defining influence over proceedings, narrowly failing to connect with a header from a promising position.

Kaka then tried his luck with a low drive but didn't test Jens Lehmann who was the latest between the sticks in Germany's controversial goalkeeping rotation system.

A very well worked German move saw the ball drop to Bernd Schneider who fired an impressive volley that dipped onto the roof of the net and the hosts were beginning to assume the ascendency over what was a reportedly 'tired' Brazilian outfit.

However any suggestions of fatigue were soon forgotten in the 21st minute when Brazil lined up a seemingly innocuous free-kick from 25 metres out.

Regardless of the distance nothing is truly harmless when the likes of Ronaldinho and Adriano surround the ball and with all the requisite power you'd expect it was the Inter Milan striker who fired a low thunderbolt which took an unfortunate deflection and left the Arsenal keeper stranded.

To their credit Germany looked far from deflated and that goal seemed to galvanise them as they immediately tested Dida with a dipping ball which forced the AC Milan shot stopper into conceding a corner.

Sebastian Deisler swung in a corner which found the head of an unmarked Lukas Podolski and with strangely no defenders guarding either post the ball crept past Dida for a deserved equaliser.

But it didn't take long for the South American champions to resume their usual attacking play and after Kaka had mishit a shot into the grateful arms of Lehmann they were presented with the chance to take the lead once more.

Adriano was continually giving Robert Huth a nightmare outing and after driving into the area he was pushed by the young Chelsea defender, the referee having no doubts as he awarded a penalty.

Up stepped skipper for the day Ronaldinho who coolly slotted the ball low to the Lehmann's right and Germany would have to fight back again.

Podolski tried to repeat his heroics with another immediate chance but couldn't produce the same connection with his header and after dominating possession the Germans would've felt aggrieved at being behind.

In first half injury time however the home side would have the chance to respond after referee Chandia bizarrely awarded a penalty for what one would assume was a slight push on Ballack by Juventus midfielder Emerson.

Nervelessly Ballack took responsibility and converted convincingly as both Captain's ability from the spot had ensured a level score line at halftime.

Cicinho was introduced at halftime for the ineffectual Maicon to provide coach Carlos Alberto Parreira with his admitted 'first XI' on the field and Brazil would have to increase their performance if they were to ensure another final appearance.

Lovely skill from Ronaldinho and latterly Robinho gave an onrushing Gilberto an opening on the left, but the man filling the boots of Roberto Carlos didn't quite display the usual deadliness of the Real Madrid left back and the scores remained tied.

Easily one of the best moves of the night displayed all the best qualities of the current Klinsmann inspired German side and the ball eventually found Ballack in the area, but the Bayern Munich star saw his delivery blocked.

After a cross from the recently introduced Asamoah space opened up for the German talisman once more but the myriad of yellow shirts around him prevented Ballack from putting his country into the lead for the first time.

A short corner from Brazil provided Lucio with a gilt-edge chance however rather than head the ball it came off his shoulder and flew over the bar to the immense frustration of the former Bayer Leverkusen defender.

But that missed opportunity was soon forgotten as the World Cup holders would soon be celebrating a lead for the third time in the match.

A fortunate deflection from the midfield was touched on by Robinho into the path of Adriano, and with Huth failing to close him down the Brazilian no. 9 calmly fired past a helpless Lehmann to give his side a 3-2 advantage.

The trickery and technique of Madrid bound Robinho conjured another chance but the shot lacked conviction and Germany still had time to find an equaliser.

Cicinho was at the forefront of another attack and after combining well with Adriano his shot was parried to safety by Lehmann, with Robinho desperately waiting for a cross in the centre.

Chances began to arise at both ends as the Germans chased the game and left plenty of gaps for the prodigiously talented Brazilian forwards to exploit but the hosts were lacking the killer touch from free play.

After significant injury time Brazil indeed held on and will eagerly await the result of tomorrows clash between Mexico and Argentina as perhaps a classic South American final beckons.

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