Quick Report: Brazil 1-0 South Africa

A late free kick from Daniel Alves was enough to lead Brazil past Confederations Cup hosts South Africa in Thursday’s semi final.

A passionate South African side showed from the start that they were planning to stun the holders, who often seemed to lack initiative.

The Bafana Bafana even had the better chances although the really big opportunities were rare on both sides. The image didn’t change in the second half where the South Africans combined better than their opponents but failed to get close to Julio Cesar’s goal.

The Brazilians eventually did find their way past the opposing defense, albeit from a free kick in the 88th minute. Daniel Alves’ effort beautifully curved in at the far post, just out of reach for keeper Khune.

As a result, Brazil play Sunday’s final against the United States and won’t have to travel away from Johannesburg. South Africa and Spain meet for third place in Rustenburg.