Kaka wins Golden Ball

Spanish giants Real Madrid's recent signing Brazil midfielder Kaka was awarded the Golden Ball on Sunday after being voted best footballer at the Confederations Cup.

Striker Luis Fabiano, a teammate in the side that came from two goals behind to defeat the United States 3-2 in the final, finished second and American midfielder Clint Dempsey third.

Fabiano collected the Golden Boot for being leading scorer with five goals and USA goalkeeper Tim Howard received the Golden Glove as the best in his position at the dress rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

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 championship," said the former AC Milan man whose transfer to Madrid becomes official on Tuesday.

"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."

Asked about his new start at Real Madrid, Kaka said: "With respect to my new life at Madrid, I will talk about it on Tuesday when I'm officially their player.

"I've managed to get my first cup and I hope the winning ways will continue in future in this new phase of my life."

FIFA Confederations Cup Fabulous Fabiano

Kaka might steal all the headlines but Luis Fabiano has emerged from the Confederations Cup as one of Brazil's new golden boys.

The Sevilla striker was the tournament top scorer with five goals, including his crucial brace in the final on Sunday that helped Brazil recover from two down to beat the United States 3-2.

With his team in trouble, the athletic, lithe and technically gifted striker rose irresistibly to the challenge to underline his status as the undisputed number one goal-getter for the South American champions.

But it hasn't always been so easy for Fabiano, who has battled with several other players, including injury-plagued star striker Ronaldo, for the coveted number nine shirt.

"He scores goals, he's always doing it," said his coach Dunga.

"I'm extremely happy with him. He is very hungry to play and get goals."

The 28-year-old joins Romario, Ronaldinho and Adriano as the fourth Brazilian to go home from the Confederations Cup with the Golden Shoe.

He was also voted the tournament's second best player, after new Real Madrid signing Kaka.

"I'm delighted that everything worked out as planned in the final," he told FIFA.com.

"I hadn't scored in my two previous games but as it turned out there was no better way for me to reach that target of five goals in as many games."

With a successful Confederations Cup defence under their belt, Brazil are now looking towards the World Cup and the possibility of a sixth title.

Fabiano is excited at the prospect and has set his own personal goal of scoring a goal a game if Brazil qualify and make it back to South Africa next year.

"It would be nice to keep the average going at the World Cup here next year. I'll be working hard to do just that," he vowed.

Despite his prolific performances, the man they call O Fabuloso is taking nothing for granted as far as his and Brazil's participation in next year's showpiece tournament is concerned.

"We still haven't made sure of qualification yet and there's still a year to go before the finals. All I know is that in a country like Brazil nothing is ever certain and that you always have to fight for your place."

With Ronaldo making a successful comeback at Corinthians, and fellow veterans Adriano and Fred also still playing well, Fabiano is taking nothing for granted.

He said the best way to keep his place was to keep the goals flowing.

"Scoring goals is my life. It's my job," he said.

"It's what I'm expected to do. And if my goals can help us achieve more wins like today, then I'll be a happy man."

FIFA Confederations Cup Blistering Brazil shatter USA dream

Clint Dempsey sobbed as the Americans walked up to get their second-place medals, unable to hide the pain and the disappointment any longer.

The euphoria of knocking off Spain last week dissolved Sunday in the Confederations Cup final when Brazil unleashed its "Beautiful Game."

After dominating the five-time World Cup champions in the first half, the Americans were powerless as Brazil scored three goals in the final 45 minutes to rally for a 3-2 win.

"We're at the point where we don't want respect, we want to win," said Landon Donovan, whose goal in the 27th minute gave the United States a 2-0 lead. "There's no guarantee we ever get back to a final game like this, so it's disappointing."

Luis Fabiano scored twice for Brazil, and Lucio added the third in the 84th minute to give Brazil its second straight Confederations Cup title and third overall. The American men fell short in their first final of a FIFA tournament, but the experience was invaluable.

Almost sure to qualify for next year's World Cup, also in South Africa, the Americans certainly saw the benefits of playing this game. What hurt was the way they lost it.

"We continue to try and move ourselves forward, and playing these kind of games only helps," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "But it still feels pretty lousy to let this one get away."

In the third-place match, Spain fought back to beat host South Africa 3-2 after extra time in Rustenburg.

The United States have beaten Brazil once in 15 games, and it was just 10 days ago that the Brazilians hung a 3-0 rout on the Americans in group play of the tournament that had the critics piling on and some calling for Bradley's job.

In the first 45 minutes Sunday, though, it was Brazil that looked like the beaten team. Its usually fluid offense created few opportunities and was constantly stymied by the U.S. defense and goalkeeper Tim Howard. Meanwhile, the Americans were relentless in their attack on a nervous-looking Brazil defense, with Donovan working hard to give his team several scoring chances.

Just 10 minutes into the game, Jonathan Spector sprinted down the right side and sent a low cross into the area. Dempsey, who had plenty of room to manoeuvre, raised his right leg and put just enough of a touch on the ball to alter the direction and send it past a diving Julio Cesar.

Dempsey, who also scored in the 2-0 shocker over top-ranked Spain in the semifinals, finished the tournament with three goals and was awarded the Bronze Ball.

Donovan then got possession at his own end shortly after Maicon had sent in a corner for Brazil from the right. The United States midfielder ran up the middle, passed to Charlie Davies and then reclaimed the ball from his teammate before beating Julio Cesar.

There is a reason Brazil has won so many titles over the years, though, and it wasn't about to let another slip away.

Luis 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.

"We gave up the first goal so early in second half," Bradley said. "We really put ourselves in a tough spot."

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

The Americans caught a break in the 60th when Kaka headed a cross from Andre Santos to the near post. Howard stepped back into his goal and knocked the shot off the underside of the crossbar and then grabbed it safely in his arms. Kaka appealed, arguing that the ball crossed the line before Howard was able to get to it, and television replays indicated he was correct.

It wouldn't matter, with Lucio delivering the decisive goal in the 84th when he headed a corner kick from Elano past Howard. Brazil has now won eight matches in a row, and is unbeaten in 16.

"You look around at their players, and you realize why they're worth so much and why they play at the teams that they play," Donovan said. "It's disappointing when we gave such a good effort today."

As the Brazilians gathered in a circle and jumped up and down in celebration, the Americans remained on the field, watching in stony silence. Many climbed up to get their medals with their heads bowed, and there were few smiles in sight.

"We were able to make it a real game with a top team," Bradley said. "Over time, to be able to sustain that longer, not have ups and downs throughout the game, that's a sign of progress."

TOP SCORERS
5 - Luis Fabiano (BRA)
3 - Fernando Torres and David Villa (ESP), Clint Dempsey (USA)
2 - Katlego Mphela and Bernard Parker (RSA), Landon Donovan (USA), Daniel Guiza (ESP), Kaka (BRA), Giuseppe Rossi (ITA), Mohamed Zidan (EGY)

PAST WINNERS
1997 - Brazil
1999 - Mexico
2001 - France
2003 - France
2005 - Brazil

FIFA Confederations Cup USA v Brazil Giant-killers plot revenge

The United States have pulled off one massive upset and are plotting another on Sunday when they look for payback against defending champions Brazil in the Confederations Cup final.

Bob Bradley's men stunned European champions Spain in their semi-final for a famous 2-0 victory by effectively closing down dangerman Xavi and will be keen to keep Kaka under wraps in the same way.

In contrast, Brazil struggled to get past a determined South Africa, needing a Daniel Alves free-kick two minutes from time to break the deadlock and stay alive to defend their title.

Four years ago in Germany, Brazil won the tournament by beating Argentina 4-1 but if the USA play as they did against Spain it could be a much closer affair this year.

A key factor working in the Americans' favour is that they are learning to believe in themselves.

"What we're learning is how to move forward as a team, making sure as a team we're organised. But that is not enough, we have to be able to move ball, create chances, get goals," Bradley said.

"It's not one thing, it's a package. In the last year more and more of our players have realised that if you can put that together then you can compete with the best teams. It's a constant evolution."

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, who was instrumental in helping his team upset Spain, knows they go into Sunday's game as rank underdogs but said it did not bother them.

"We're always going to be underdogs," he said.

"But we have shown that when we come together and do our best, we can do great things. We may not be the biggest or best-known players in the world, but when we come together it's not about that."

Brazil beat the United States 3-0 during the group stages and that is motivation enough for American captain Carlos Bocenegra.

"We almost gave them too much respect and sat back too much," he said.

"It's important to start the game with a lot of energy - we can't sit back and let Brazil control the match."

It will be a bitter-sweet day for Bradley, whose son Michael will miss the game after a straight red card for a lunging tackle in the Spain match.

Otherwise, he has a full complement of players to choose from.

Brazil coach Dunga, whose team have had a day less to recover, is respectful of the United States after their giant-killing semi-final exploits.

"The US has a peculiar way of playing and we will need to stay calm against them," he said.

"I did not see the US play against Spain, but we will be watching the game to prepare for Sunday."

Alves admitted that the USA win had taught his side a lesson.

"In a tournament like this, every team will have their chances," he said.

"Spain's game served as a lesson for us before we took on South Africa, and it will also serve as a lesson for us ahead of Sunday's final."

Despite having seen his side struggle to unlock South Africa, Dunga is expected to send out much the same team with Luis Fabiano up front and Kaka and Robinho tucked in behind him.

With Lucio, Maicon, Luisao and Andre Santos holding the back line and Felipe Melo, Ramires and Gilberto Silva operating in midfield the United States will have their work cut out.

Bradley will once again be heavily reliant on experienced LA Galaxy attacker Landon Donovan controlling the game in the middle, while Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore will need to make the most of any chances that come their way up front.

FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa v Brazil Pupil meets Master

Former coach Carlos Alberto Parreira promised to introduce South Africa to 'samba football', a mission pursued by his successor, Joel Santana.

Well at Ellis Park on Thursday the willing pupil will have the chance to test precisely how much they've learned when they take on the country who invented the concept.

The smart and not so smart money is on Brazil overpowering South Africa in this Confederations Cup semi-final to set up a dream final Sunday with Spain, favourites to beat the United States on Wednesday.

But this 2009 Confed Cup has been nothing if not unpredictable - witness the USA's advance to the last four at the expense of world champions and African champions Italy and Egypt.

South Africa owe their presence here to having narrowly shaded Iraq on goal difference to emerge as Group A runners-up after goalless draws against the Asian champions, a 2-0 win over New Zealand and a 2-0 loss to Spain.

Brazil strode imperiously through Group B, following up the last minute 4-3 victory over Egypt with 3-0 drubbings of the USA and then astonishingly Italy.

That has left Kaka and company in prime shape to defend the title they collected in Germany four years ago, but South Africa are counting on their vibrant and colourful support and some class acts like Everton's Steven Pienaar, Bernard Parker and Teko Modise to help them dethrone the five time world champions.

The last time the hosts and holders met was back in 1996 in Joburg when South Africa, with Lucas Radebe and Doctor Khumalo on board, were leading a Brazil side captained by Dunga two nil at half time only to go down 3-2.

Santana, constantly criticised in the local media for his defensive tactics, is talking a big game ahead of what promises to be an electric encounter at a sold-out Ellis Park.

"We deserve to be in the semi-finals, we got four points," said the Brazilian.

"We outplayed New Zealand. We beat them 2-0, but could have scored six while Iraq were totally negative.

"I am happy to be in the semi-finals, I could have been heading home. But now I am looking forward to a major semi-final of a big FIFA event."

Dunga rates his compatriot highly as a manager and is wary of the threat presented by his team.

"South Africa are an emerging team, but we know they will give us a difficult test.

"They're strong, quick and they will have the crowd behind them. But we'll be well prepared. Brazil have a very strong squad, which helps in a tournament like this. Every player in the squad is a first-teamer."

FIFA Confederations Cup Spain v USA Final on Spanish sights

Spain was expecting to face Italy or Egypt in their Confederations Cup semifinal on Wednesday but instead the United States stands between them and another world record.

The unlikely outcome came about after Brazil beat Italy 3-0 and the United States upset Egypt by the same margin on Sunday, with Bob Bradley's team going through on goal difference.

Despite having to revise his plans, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said the US deserved to qualify.

"They had Italy against the ropes and heavily beat Egypt, who were until then the revelation of the tournament," he said.

"They are fast, well organised, and they will come into the match with plenty of desire."

Nevertheless, the odds are heavily stacked against a team who have the unenviable task of trying to become the first side to beat the European champions since November 2006.

If Spain avoid defeat, they will eclipse Brazil's 35-match unbeaten run, set between 1993 and 1996, to rewrite the history books for the second time in less than a week.

By beating South Africa over the weekend, they stretched their winning streak to 15 games, something no other national team has achieved.

While Del Bosque admits records are a motivating factor, at stake is more than that with a place in Sunday's final in Johannesburg against Brazil or hosts South Africa the reward for winning.

There are few weak points for the United States to exploit, with Fernando Torres and David Villa a formidable proposition for any defence.

Torres scored a hattrick in Spain's 5-0 demolition of New Zealand while Villa has put aside personal distractions regarding his on-off move away from Valencia to score in all three of Spain's matches so far.

Add into the mix players like Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, and Carlos Puyol and it is a titanic task.

Torres said the side, which has yet to concede a goal here, was driven by setting records and winning their first FIFA trophy.

"Everyone will remember this team in the future and when we look back on it we will be even prouder," he said about their record-breaking run.

"But we don't want to stop here. We want to play the final and win it. We are ambitious and we are hungry."

Bradley is no dreamer and knows it will need something extraordinary to prevail on Wednesday, particularly with Spain having an extra day to rest and prepare.

"Spain are a great team," he said.

"We played them last year in a friendly in Santander, their last warm-up before Euro 2008.

"They wore us down in the second half, but then we watched as they wore down Russia, Holland and eventually Germany at the European championships.

"I pointed out to the players that they should take note that we had done a good job.

"It's a short turnaround and playing them is such a challenge, it's like playing Barcelona and the national team. We'll have our work cut out against the likes of Torres and Xavi."

Landon Donovan, David Beckham's teammate at LA Galaxy and the United States' all-time top scorer, concedes it won't be easy but remains optimistic, insisting stranger things have happened.

"It's not going to be easy," he said. "I don't think many teams go into a game against Spain thinking they'll win.

"But we thought we were out of the competition 10 minutes after our second game here, so it just goes to show that soccer is a crazy game and anything can happen. We've proved that."

FIFA Confederations Cup Spain thru' to semis

Photo: AFPAfp, Bloemfontein

Spain striker David Villa (number 7) swivels and volleys home a superb left-footed strike to score the first goal in their Confederations Cup match against hosts South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

David Villa and Fernando Llorente scored the goals that gave Spain a 2-0 win over South Africa on Saturday for a world record 15th straight victory.

Valencia's Villa broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute and substitute Llorente sealed the game with 18 minutes left to ensure the European champions finished top of their group at the Confederations Cup.

It means they play the runner-up in Group B, likely Italy or Egypt, in the semifinals next Wednesday.

Despite losing, South Africa still make the last four and a potential clash with Brazil after Iraq failed to beat New Zealand in the other group game being played simultaneously.

The win meant Spain have now posted 15 consecutive victories, surpassing the old record of 14 held by Australia, Brazil and France.

They also matched the 35-match unbeaten streak held by Brazil between 1993 and 1996, with Spain's run stretching back to November 2006 when they lost to Romania.

South Africa came into the game with expectations around the country high and the match was played in front of a sell-out and deafening crowd at the 40,000-capacity Free State Stadium.

With their semifinal berth assured before the game even started, coach Vicente del Bosque, who was now won all 13 matches since he took over, rested seven players.

He gave Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina a start and brought back Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, but retained the formidable Fernando Torres and Villa up front.

Liverpool midfielder Albert Reira nearly got them off to a flyer with a 40-yard freekick spectacularly turned around the post by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the fourth minute.

Villa, a transfer target of Real Madrid, sent a header just over the bar a minute later as Spain made their intentions clear.

They were keeping possession well and creating opportunities with South Africa on the back foot. It was not until the 18th minute that the hosts had their first sniff of goal when Teko Modise blasted a freekick over the bar.

But the tempo soon slowed and the game was in need of a spark, which Torres nearly provided, cutting neatly inside and whipping off a shot that forced a save from the goalkeeper.

Spain began pressing and Matthew Booth was forced to clear off the line before South Africa wasted a glorious chance when Everton's Steven Pienaar put Bernard Parker in the clear only for the striker to send his shot wildly wide.

It wasn't just the home side wasting opportunities with an unmarked Villa blasting his shot high after a darting run by Torres as they went to the break all square.

The fireworks began six minutes into the second half when Fabregas was brought down by South African captain Aaron Mokoena and the referee rightly pointed to the spot.

Villa stepped up but Khune saved and then dealt with the rebound from Carlos Puyol.

The crowd went crazy but they were silenced barely a minute later when Villa beautifully controlled a lob by Reira and buried the ball in the net.

Llorente made sure of three points when he met a Xavi corner to slot the ball home from the six yard line and South Africa were fortunate not to concede more.

Lippi targets win

FIFA Confederations Cup
Italy v Brazil




Italy coach Marcello Lippi has told his side they must show more initiative as the world champions prepare for a crucial clash with Brazil in the Confederations Cup on Sunday.

The Italians deviated from the script in their upset 1-0 loss to Egypt in Johannesburg on Thursday to leave them needing a victory against the South American champions to keep their tournament hopes alive.

They have three points in Group B, the same as Egypt who have a much easier task against the United States on the same day.

Brazil have six points after winning their opening two games with who goes through to the semis potentially being decided by goal difference.

"We are in a very difficult group, very different from the other group," said Lippi. Group A features Spain, Iraq, South Africa and New Zealand.

"We weren't very aggressive against Egypt," he added. "We didn't play like we had planned. When Egypt started to play and scored, it all unravelled and we stopped playing. We didn't go for the ball."

He knows they have a huge task ahead of them against Dunga's team of superstars, aware that only a victory will do if they want to stay in the competition.

"We've simply got to win," he said. "We'll try to play positively from the first minute and try and take the initiative but we must also be prudent because the opponent is Brazil."

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said their problem was that they only picked up their game after conceding a goal, something he admitted must change against Brazil.

"I think our problem at the moment is our approach to matches, in that we often react only after moments of significance, like conceding a goal," he told reporters.

"Against Brazil, we have to play without making any calculations, in regards to what is happening elsewhere. We have to play to win.

"We must show that we can compete with one of the favourites for next year's World Cup."

After a lacklustre second half against Egypt in their opening 4-3 victory, which coach Dunga blamed on tiredness, Brazil were back to their best in beating the United States 3-0 on Thursday, a display that oozed class.

"What changed (between Egypt and the US) was a lack of tiredness," said Dunga, who used several new faces such as Maicon and Miranda to good effect.

Four of Brazil's seven goals at the tournament have come from set pieces, something Lippi will have noticed and be working on at their training ground in Pretoria.

Dunga said his team worked hard on that aspect of their game, to good effect.

"Yes that's something we go over, we try and place the players in the best positions," he said.

"We move the ball around quickly as well which of course is a characteristic of South American football."

In an ominous warning to Italy, Manchester City's Robinho declared that Brazil were just getting started.

"We played well (against the United States) but we want to play even better in the games ahead."

Good night's rest do the trick: Dunga

FIFA Confederations Cup
Brazil star Robinho arrives at a gym in Centurion on Friday.Photo: AFP

Spain may be the best team in the world but with the World Cup less than a year away Brazil, with Thursday's majestic 3-0 win over the United States, reminded the world that they can play a bit too.

And Robinho, author of one of the goals, delivered an ominous warning to Brazil's rivals at the Confederations Cup, the Manchester City striker declaring: "We played well but we want to play even better in the games ahead."

Coach Dunga must have felt like the cat who'd got the cream as he purred over a performance that oozed class in every department, from man of the match Maicon's darts up the right, to Kaka's midfield mastery and finishing that was smoother than Dulux.

Brazil, by their high standards, had something to prove after putting in a less than convincing second half performance against Egypt, who in toppling world champions Italy 1-0 are now favourites to take second place in Group B behind the defending champions.

"We didn't play well in the second half in our last match," conceded Kaka, "but today we showed our real form."

Dunga put his side's refound vigour down to nothing more than a good night's kip.

"What changed (between Egypt and the US) was a lack of tiredness.

"Against Egypt we were exhausted having had no rest and having just arrived in South Africa. Today they had time to rest and their bodies had adapted to the different time zone.

"I used some players like Maicon and Miranda who hadn't been playing for some time that made life easier for everyone else. The new players in the side did brilliantly...I have no complaints."

Four of Brazil's seven goals at the Confed Cup have come from set pieces, with Dunga acknowledging: "Yes that's something we go over, we try and place the players in the best positions.

"We moved the ball around quickly as well which of course is a characteristic of South American football."

Maicon proved the backbone of Brazil's attacks up the right flank, but Dunga denied the left side was any weaker.

"The left side is also strong, but Robinho is more of an individual type of player so sometimes it's better for the left side to protect rather than move forward like the right."

Aside from Maicon other players to shine in the Pretoria winter sunshine were Ramires, Real Madrid's million dollar baby Kaka, and Felipe Melo who headed in Maicon's freekick for the opener.

Robinho said it had been important for Brazil to play well against the US after starting the defence of their Confed Cup crown "with a bit of a bump".

Italy's loss to the Pharoahs has taken some of the edge off Saturday's encounter between two countries who between them boast nine World Cups.

Nevertheless it will still be a match to savour with Dunga suggesting: "They are two great teams. When Brazil face Italy you never know what's going to happen.

"It's the kind of game where the side that scores first has a big advantage."

Asked about any tinkering he might consider for Saturday's final group game the Brazil boss replied: "We'll see after medical check-ups which players have recovered and change the team accordingly. If we have to make changes we will."

Dunga's men eye semis

FIFA Confederations Cup
Usa v Brazil


Brazil were made to work before passing their first Confederations Cup exam against Egypt and another tough test is in store when they meet the United States here on Thursday.

Kaka's late contribution earned the defending champions a barely merited 4-3 victory over the Pharoahs to place them top of Group B with Italy, who overcame the US 3-1 in their opener.

The States, despite going a man down in the first half, were a goal up and had Italy in trouble before the world champions' class and numerical advantage told.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi singled out US defender Oguchi Onyewu and teenage striker Jozy Altidore for special mention and this duo's skill combined with their team's overall muscle and passion are set to make life interesting for Dunga's men.

"We need to get our focus back and put our minds to beating Brazil in our next game," insisted Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Michael Bradley.

The son of Bob Bradley, the US coach, added: "We have the ability to make any team uncomfortable and Brazil is no exception. Tomorrow is another day and we're still alive in this competition."

Brazil boast a 13-1 win-loss record over the United States but Manchester City star Robinho for one is not about to take the three points which would see them though to the semifinals for granted after the Egyptian scare.

"It could have been a lot easier for us but Egypt deserve a lot of credit for fighting back in the second half. We maybe lost our composure for a few minutes there but the most important thing was that we won," he said.

"In the next game against USA we'll be working hard to make sure we don't make those errors again, because we'll be coming up against another quality team."

Brazil keeper Julio Cesar warned the US to expect a more composed performance from the South American giants in Pretoria.

"It's not normal for us to let in three goals in a game and we know it.

"We had a lapse of concentration in the second half and it nearly cost us the win. Against the USA we'll be looking to recover the rhythm we've had in our last few World Cup qualifying matches and trying to make sure that these kinds of things don't happen again."

Kaka, who produced some sublime football in Monday's match scoring a double, is eager to wrap up his team's place in the last four with a game in hand.

"In a very tight group we've got the three points we wanted and now we're in a position to reach the semifinals."

Spain enter semis

FIFA Confederations Cup

Spain edged Iraq 1-0 to make the semifinals of the Confederations Cup on Wednesday and equal the world record for the longest winning streak by a national team.

A second-half goal by Valencia striker David Villa undid the resilient Asian champions for two wins out of two in Group A to ensure a place in the last four where they are likely to meet either Brazil or Italy.

The hard fought victory wrote their names in the history books with Spain, who have not been beaten since November 2006, matching the record of 14 straight victories held by Australia, Brazil and France.

They also moved to within one win of equalling the 35-match unbeaten run by Brazil between 1993 and 1996.

Vicente del Bosque was forced to start without Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas who limped out of training on Tuesday after a strong tackle by Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

He also rested Carles Puyol, Albert Reira and Raul Albiol, with Carlos Marchena, Gerard Pique, Juan Manuel Mata and Santi Cazorla in the starting 11.

Iraq coach Bora Milutinovic also rested several players, including star striker Younis Mahmoud, with his focus on their last match of the group stages against New Zealand, which he believes they can win.

Compared to their 5-0 thrashing of New Zealand on Sunday, this was a much tougher test for Spain and they made a hesitant start.

It took them eight minutes to unleash their first shot when Cazorla's left foot strike was easily gathered by goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid.

Iraqi forward Alaa Abdul Zahra found the target soon after but it never threatened Iker Casillas, winning his 94th cap, in the Spanish goal.

Pique's glancing header went close on 15 minutes and Fernando Torres, Spain's hattrick hero against New Zealand, almost got on the end of a looping Xavi through ball minutes later.

Spain's best chance came midway through the half when Cazorla fired a cross in from the right to find an unmarked Villa whose left-foot volley whistled past the post.

Villarreal's Cazorla was in the thick of the action and let rip with a 30-yard drive that shaved the right-hand upright.

Spain were threatening a goal but a composed Iraq held tight, getting bodies behind the ball effectively and they went to the break all square.

The European champions upped the tempo after the restart and Villa should have buried a golden opportunity eight minutes into the half when he fired a close range header straight at the goalkeeper.

But he made no mistake a minute later when he got on the end of a Joan Capdevila cross and angled his header into the right-hand corner to break the deadlock.

It fired up Spain with Alonso, Torres and Mata all going close but Iraq never gave up, fighting bravely to the bitter end but unable to draw level.

Spain, with six points, play their last group match against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Kaka defends penalty

FIFA Confederations Cup
South Africa 2009

New Real Madrid signing Kaka has defended the penalty decision that handed Brazil a controversial 4-3 win in their Confederations Cup opener against Egypt.

The former AC Milan playmaker converted the spot kick in the 91st minute to crush Egyptian hopes late Monday after they fought back from 3-1 down.

"It was definitely a penalty," said Kaka, who will link up next year at Real with the club's other big money summer signing, Cristiano Ronaldo.

"It is good for the referee to have people around him to help," he added, referring to English referee Howard Webb apparently awarding the penalty after consulting with the fourth official who Egypt claimed watched a video replay.

Referees are not allowed to use video technology.

Egypt said it would lodge an official complaint with FIFA.

"The Egyptian Football Association finds it very strange that the referee whistles for a corner and the linesman said corner and then the decision came from the fourth official," said deputy coach Shawky Gharib.

"Since when do the regulations say it is a penalty based on the monitors or on the television?"

The controversy overshadowed a thrilling encounter which saw Kaka score twice for Brazil with AS Roma's Juan and Sevilla frontman Luis Fabiano also getting on the scoresheet.

Kaka opened his account with a trademark piece of magic, exploiting hesitancy in the Egyptian defence to give Brazil the lead in the fifth minute.

Barcelona full-back Daniel Alves chipped the ball into the box and Kaka took one touch to lob it over a defender then rounded another before slotting it past goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary.

But Brazil's jubilation did not last long with Egypt back on level terms four minutes later when Mohamed Aboutrika crossed from the right and Zidan rose above Alves to send a powerful header into the net.

There was more drama to come in a breathless opening spell with Brazil taking the lead again after 12 minutes when Elano's free kick found Luis Fabiano, who cleverly directed his header into the bottom left-hand corner.

Brazil got their third eight minutes before the break when Juan climbed above the defence to plant a header past Al-Hadary from Elano's well-placed corner.

Egypt had plenty to prove here after crashing 3-1 to Algeria in World Cup qualifying last week - a result which has put their place at next year's tournament in doubt - and they showed their mettle in the second half.

After a clever build-up Sayed Moawad pulled the ball back from down the left to Mohamed Shawky, who thundered a right-footed strike past Julio Cesar in the 54th minute.

Before a dazed Brazil had time to recover, Zidan found the net barely a minute later to pull Egypt level.

The game looked destined for a draw until substitute Ahmed al-Muhamadi deliberately handled the ball on the Egyptian goal-line and was sent off, leaving Kaka to coolly convert from the spot in the 91st minute.

Brazilian coach Dunga was happy to get the win, saying his team was jetlagged after the long trip from South America.

"We had two tough (World Cup) qualifiers, 23 hours of travel and the time difference. The players have not been sleeping well so obviously we are quite happy with the win," he said.

Rossi stabs USA

FIFA Confederations Cup
South Africa 2009

World champions Italy joined Brazil at the top of Group B after coming from behind to beat 10-man United States 3-1 in an electric Confederations Cup encounter here on Monday.

Landon Donovan put the States into a first half lead only for the Azzurri to hit back after the break with goals from New York-born substitute Giuseppe Rossi and Daniele De Rossi.

USA coach Bob Bradley naturally pointed to Ricardo Clark's red card eight minutes before half-time as a turning point.

"The sending off seemed harsh, for me it was more yellow. To have to play so long down a man was difficult," he said before reflecting on the irony of Rossi's' American connection.

"I've known the Rossi family a long time, Giuseppe's dad coached high school soccer in New Jersey. I certainly hoped that he would have played for us but he made his decision."

Italy coach Marcello Lippi too dwelled on his star substitute's birthplace, smiling: "I was certainly happy tonight Giuseppe was Italian and not American!"

He added: Even though they went a man down it wasn't that easy, they are a strong team but once we found our peace of mind we played with greater lucidity and won, but it wasn't easy.

"Rossi's contribution was significant, he obviously scored a goal seconds after coming on and that helped our mental state."

The state capital's 45,000-seater Loftus Versfeld stadium was three-quarters full with the Tricolor comfortably outnumbering the Stars and Stripes off the pitch and, after Clark's dismissal, on it too.

Lippi was without injured World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, but back on national duty was another World Cup winner, Gennaro Gattuso, fit after a knee injury that had kept him sidelined since Christmas.

Six of Bradley's CONCACAF Gold Cup winners were veterans of the bruising 1-1 draw with Italy at the World Cup in which two US and one Italian were sent off.

Italy, who hadn't lost to the States for 75 years, had the early run of play.

On eight minutes Gianluca Zambrotta lobbed a long ball for Vincenzo Iaquinta to head into the path of Alberto Gilardino only for the Florentina forward's shot to fall safely into the hands of Tim Howard.

Nicola Legrottaglie's diving header in the 20th minute would have posed a greater threat if it hadn't gone wide of the Everton stopper's right post.

Gianluigi Buffon had his first taste of action when Michael Bradley, the US coach's son, burst into the box only for Legrottaglie to take the punch out of his angled shot.

The US's lone striker, Jozy Altidore, then came calling on the Italian captain but his slide rule pass from the left failed to make it to the waiting Benny Felhaber.

The States went a man down in the 32nd minute after Clark was sent off, arguably harshly, by Chilean referee Pablo Pozo, for a foul on Gattuso triggering heated protests from the men in white.

Soon after the Italians had the ball in the back of the net thanks to US defender Jonathan Bornstein's boot, only for Mauro Camoranesi to be ruled offside.

The Americans took the lead in the 41st minute when Altidore was felled by Juventus defender Giorgio Chielleni in the box with Pozo pointing immediately to the penalty spot.

Donovan stepped up to do the honours, his country's all-time top scorer slotting home his 40th international goal on his 111th cap.

With their numerical superiority Italy came out for the second half intent on restoring world order against a team ranked 10 places below them in FIFA's rankings.

Lippi brought on striker Rossi for Gattuso and Ricardo Montolivo for Mauro Camoranesi on 57 minutes and seconds later Rossi let loose a 30 metre cannonball which flew past Howard's fingernails to land in the top left hand corner of his net.

Howard had to look lively to punch away a shot from Andrea Pirlo but he had no answer when De Rossi, in the 72nd minute, struck with his right foot from 20 metres, the ball bouncing once on its journey into the bottom right corner.

Rossi rounded off the night with Italy's third in the fourth minute of injury time.

Kaka clinch a thriller

FIFA Confederations Cup

Real Madrid's new signing Kaka rescued Brazil with a last-gasp penalty to hand the defending champions a thrilling 4-3 win over Egypt in the Confederations Cup on Monday.

Brazil were leading 3-1 with first-half strikes from Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Juan cancelling out Mohamed Zidan's effort before Egypt drew level with two second-half goals inside a minute.

The game looked destined for a draw until substitute Ahmed al-Muhamadi deliberately handled the ball on the Egyptian goal-line and was sent off, leaving Kaka to coolly convert from the spot in the 91st minute.

Once again the match was played in front of thousands of empty seats, despite FIFA president Sepp Blatter's criticism that organisers had not done enough to sell tickets for Spain's game with New Zealand on Sunday.

But there was a carnival atmosphere inside the ground that was ignited by an incredible opening 12 minutes that saw three goals.

Kaka produced a piece of magic, and exploited hesitancy in the Egyptian defence, to open the scoring in the fifth minute.

Barcelona full-back Daniel Alves chipped the ball into the box and Kaka took one touch to lob it over a defender then rounded another before slotting it past goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary.

But Brazil's jubilation did not last long with Egypt back on level terms four minutes later when Wael Gomaa crossed from the right and Zidan rose above Alves to send a powerful header into the net.

There was more drama to come in a breathless opening spell with Brazil taking the lead again after 12 minutes when Elano's free kick found Luis Fabiano, who cleverly directed his header into the bottom left-hand corner.

After three goals in seven minutes, the game calmed down somewhat although both Elano and Juan had chances for Brazil, while at the other end Hosni Abd Rabbou went close with a long-range drive.

Brazil got their third eight minutes before the break when Juan climbed above the defence to plant a header past Al-Hadary from Elano's well-placed corner.

Egypt had plenty to prove here after crashing 3-1 to Algeria in World Cup qualifying last week - a result which has put their place at next year's tournament in doubt - and the African Nations Cup holders showed their mettle, rattling Brazil with quick goals that drew them level.

After a clever build-up Sayed Moawad pulled the ball back from down the left to Mohamed Shawky, who thundered a right-footed strike past Julio Cesar.

Before a dazed Brazil had time to recover, Egypt had another with Zidan finding the net barely seconds after the restart.

It sparked a new urgency to the game with the crowd getting behind the underdogs.

Brazil coach Dunga took off Manchester City pair Robinho and Elano soon after and replaced them with Benfica midfielder Ramires and AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato but it was Kaka who ultimately saved the day.

Brazil next face CONCACAF Gold Cup winners United States on Thursday before a heavyweight bout with fellow contenders and world champions Italy on June 21.

Egypt play Italy on Thursday before meeting the United States.

Building brick for Lippi

FIFA Confederations Cup
USA v Italy

Marcelo Lippi has identified the Confederations Cup as a building brick upon which Italy can construct solid foundations ahead of their World Cup title defence back in South Africa next year.

And the man who crafted the Azzurri's 2006 World Cup win will be anxious to see the first stone safely laid along the path to 2010 against the United States in the country's state capital on Monday.

In what is their debut appearance in this traditional World Cup dress rehearsal, the Italians limbered up for their Group B opener with a 4-3 reverse to Group A competitors New Zealand on Wednesday.

Lippi may have picked an experimental side for that encounter in Pretoria, yet the leaking of three goals for a country where defence is considered an art form and against one of the self-proclaimed dark horses of the competition was hardly ideal.

The 61-year-old, back in charge since Roberto Donadoni's departure after the Euro, had been in sanguine mood before the midweek win over the Kiwis.

"The last time I had the players together for a long period we did not do too badly," he joked with reporters after a training session, making reference, of course, to Italy's triumphant campaign in Germany three years ago culminating in the penalty shoot-out win over France.

He has stressed the importance of his team getting their Confed Cup campaign off on a winning note as they seek to draw a line under what was for them a disappointing quarter-final exit at Euro 2008.

"The most important match is the first one," he told fifa.com.

"We need to make sure that we beat our first opponents. If the first game goes well, then logically the others will follow suit. If it goes badly, it will be more difficult for us to regain our momentum."

Their opposition Monday are Confed Cup veterans fully capable of giving them a run for their money.

The Americans, who have been winning over local fans with open training sessions this week, owe their presence in South Africa to a defeat of Mexico to win the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The bulk of Bob Bradley's squad are based in Europe, including the English and Scottish Premier League quintet of DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Tim Howard (Everton), Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Jonathan Spector (West Ham) and Craig Dempsey (Fulham).

All-time leading US scorer Landon Donovan, the Los Angeles Galaxy playmaker, is one of the few in a squad which also features Bradley's son, Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder Michael, plying his trade at home.

The USA, aiming to improve on their two third place Confed Cup finishes, arrive here on the back of a timely 2-1 North America World Cup qualifier win over Honduras.

The USA last played in the competition in France in 2003 where they finished bottom of a table comprising Cameroon, Turkey and Brazil.

In 1999 a 2-0 group win over Germany helped them into third place to match their finishing position in the inaugural four-team edition in 1992.

Awkward test for Dunga

FIFA Confederations Cup
Brazil v Egypt

Five-time world champions Brazil open their Confederations Cup defence against Egypt on Monday, aware that any slip-up could cost them dear.

Judging by recent form, Dunga's men are hot favourites although the African champions are renowned for their defensive prowess and have enough depth in their squad to cause some problems.

Brazil faced a gruelling trip here after beating Paraguay 2-1 in World Cup qualifying on Wednesday and have had little time to overcome their fatigue and acclimatise to the chilly South African winter.

In a wake-up call, Dunga reminded his star-studded squad that their season was not yet over and they must retain their focus.

"Brazil must always play to win," he said.

"Even if we're at the end of the season, the players' spirit and mentality out on the pitch must always be focused on winning."

Brazil, who won the last tournament in 2005 by beating Argentina in the final, are without out-of-form Ronaldinho and are also missing Manchester United midfielder Anderson and Chelsea centre-back Alex, who are both injured.

But Dunga still has has plenty of talent to chose from with Manchester City's Robinho leading the frontline along with Sevilla's Luis Fabiano and AC Milan's Alexandre Pato, while Real Madrid's Kaka will anchor the midfield.

Barcelona's Daniel Alves and Bayern Munich's Lucio are their defensive lynchpins.

Lucio, the captain, said their recent World Cup qualifying wins over Paraguay and Uruguay, which cemented their place at the top of the South American table, boded well for their chances here.

"Even though this is a different competition, the two qualifying wins were very important," he said.

"These results put us in the best possible frame of mind for the matches ahead. We're going to fight for the title, that's our goal."

Following their clash with Egypt, the South Americans face CONCACAF winners USA on June 18 before a heavyweight bout with fellow contenders and world champions Italy.

Only the top two teams go through to the semi-finals.

Egypt, who were dealt a blow this week when former Wigan striker Amr Zaki was ruled out with a hamstring injury, are still reeling from losing a World Cup qualifier 3-1 in Algeria last Sunday.

Coach Hassan Shehata warned his shell-shocked squad they must rebuild their confidence, and quickly.

"Egypt cannot afford to fear Brazil in our opener because if we enter the first match with such a feeling, we will remain with the same fear against the other teams," he told reporters.

"We are aware Brazil and Italy are considered favourites in the group while Egypt and the United States are looked upon as outsiders.

"But we are also a big team now and should not be afraid of our opponents. We have managed to win the African Nations Cup six times, including the last two in a row."

"We are not in South Africa for fun."

Shehata will be looking to the key members of his squad, such as goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary, defender Wael Gomaa, midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika and striker Mohamed Zidan, to lead the way.

After Brazil on Monday, they meet Italy in Johannesburg three days later and the United States in Rustenburg a further 72 hours into the tournament.