Master Meets Pupil as Brazil Face S.Africa

Confederations Cup:

Handicap

South Africa vs Brazil

1 1/2 : 0

Over / Under 2 1/2

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.

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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."

( AFP )

Brazil Wary of Over-Confidence

Brazil could be forgiven for regarding South Africa, a team ranked 70 places below them in the world rankings, as easy fodder in Thursday's Confederations Cup semi-final.

But if that was the general opinion in the Brazilian camp it certainly wasn't showing as coach Dunga, Kaka and company prepared for their last four date with the hosts at Ellis Park on Wednesday.

"It's always difficult to play the host country, they'll be especially motivated, that gives emotional support to the host team," observed Dunga, who as a player was coached by his South African counterpart Joel Santana.

"He knows what he's doing," Dunga said.

The Brazil boss added: "South Africa have improved from game to game, but we're ready for the challenge.

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"They must be respected as they've made it through to the semis. South Africa are a competitive team with African characteristics - they are very fast and strong but we'll play our football and try to block their positive aspects."

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, a regular in the side that is coasting through World Cup qualifying, echoed his coach's comments on the need to be alert to the dangers posed by Santana's Bafana Bafana.

"For South Africa it's a very important game playing against Brazil. We need to be focused, we don't want to be surprised by them.

"We can''t start looking at the final, we've got to win this first."

Brazil the holders are unbeaten since arriving in South Africa with wins over Egypt (4-3), and 3-0 wins over the United States and world champions Italy.

( AFP )

Fast-Talking Santana in Attack-Mode for Brazil

If South Africa play as well as their coach Joel Santana talks then Brazil are in for a hiding in Thursday's Confederations Cup semi-final.

The Brazilian was in loquacious form at the eve of match press conference at Ellis Park on Wednesday, handling questions as deftly as a seasoned ANC politician.

After speaking eloquently about the honour of meeting Nelson Mandela earlier in the day, Santana assured Bafana Bafana fans that South Africa would turn out against the five-time world champions with one thing on their minds - attack.

"It's impossible to go out and defend for 90 minutes against Brazil," he stated.

"We're going to take the game to them. We might lose but we'd prefer to lose honestly playing attacking football.

"We learned a lot in the 2-0 defeat to Spain, now we are facing almighty powerful Brazil. We are going to try and at least match them as much as possible and to play football as beautiful as theirs.

"Not to be afraid is important, we want to produce a spectacle."

Earlier Santana had overseen his troops' final training session at Johannesburg's Rand Stadium, the Brazilian barking out instructions in 'engluese', his sometimes hard to decipher but charming mix of English and Portuguese.

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After a training game lasting half an hour, Santana called over the team's security officer, possibly the largest man in the world, to get him to clear the stadium as he put the finishing touches to his masterplan to beat Brazil in secret.

Striker Bernard Parker failed to complete the session after picking up a minor knee problem and the forward who scored both goals in the 2-0 win over New Zealand is uncertain for Thursday's game.

He is due to undergo medical tests later on Wednesday and on Thursday before a decision is taken on whether he will be fit enough to face the five time world champions.

Later at the press conference Santana then tackled the question of divided loyalties in leading South Africa out to play his native country coached by a man he used to coach.

"Note this, playing against Brazil is a professional occasion, South Africa has accepted me and given me an opportunity to coach the national team for the Confederations Cup and next year the World Cup.

"It's a historic moment facing Brazil, I know some of the Brazilian players personally but the important thing is we are going to do our best against one of the top teamms in the world.

"I thank South Africa with a lot of humility for giving me this chance," said the man who played against Pele in a previous life.

Captain Aaron Mokoena said there was an air of excitement in the Bafana Bafana camp.

"We're expecting a very very tough game but for the players it's an exciting moment. We've been waiting for this game for a long time."

Mokoena was part of the South Africa team that beat Brazil 3-0 at the Olympic Games in Sydney nine years ago and he revealed: "I spoke to the boys last night about the feeling of beating 'the giants'. For sure tomorrow is different, Brazil want this badly, but so do we."

( AFP )

US Celebrates Huge Confed Cup Victory over Spain

Spain 0-2 USA

Brilliant tactics helped the United States pull off a stunning 2-0 win over Spain and reach the Confederations Cup final, something coach Bob Bradley described as huge.

A first half strike from Villarreal's Jozy Altidore and another 16 minutes from time by Fulham's Clint Dempsey did the damage on Wednesday in what will go down as one of the biggest victories in US football history.

They also had a flawless performance by Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard and a commendable defensive display to thank for earning them a shot at the trophy on Sunday against either Brazil or hosts South Africa.

"When you play Spain you certainly have to work very hard as a group to defend. We made a special point to close down Xavi as best we could to prevent his penetrative passes," said Bradley.

"We felt strongly that when we got the ball we needed to be aggressive and have the confidence that we could keep the ball and move it.

"We did a very good job of sealing down the middle of the field. Our backline did very well. It was a team effort to just try and make sure our defending was good and look for moments to score."

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque admitted his side were outfoxed.

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"We faced a team that played with good energy, was good in attack and was fast. We were surprised. The entire team was very dangerous for us," he said.

"We are in the world of sport and it was a strong rival and I cannot be unhappy with the effort made by the team. We did everything we could."

It was a remarkable upset on a freezing night that not only ended Spain's record of 15 consecutive wins but also prevented them from surpassing Brazil's 35-match unbeaten run.

Spain will have to be content with going into the history books level with the South Americans after their first loss since November 15, 2006.

"For us it's a big night, huge," added Bradley.

"We're excited to be in the final and when you're there you have chance to win. The motivation will be very high."

Spain had won all three previous encounters but the United States' miracle run to the last four, qualifying on goals scored after finishing level with Italy on goal difference, showed they could not be understimated.

Spain had the first chance of the match but the US weren't sitting back and Charlie Davies sent a spectacular bicycle kick flashing just wide.

With Dempsey firing a long range drive close soon after it was clear they meant business.

At the other end Cesc Fabregas sent a cross in from the left which Fernando Torres volleyed just past the post.

They combined superbly again shortly after with the Liverpool striker forcing a fine one-handed save from his Merseyside rival Howard.

But in a major shock the US took the lead on 27 minutes when the powerful Altidore muscled past Joan Capdevila and Carles Puyol with Iker Casillas unable to prevent his shot finding the back of the net.

It was only the third goal Spain had conceded in 16 games.

Spain were in trouble but bounced back with a hatful of chances with Torres and Sergio Ramos in the thick of the action only for heroic defending to deny them.

They went to the break losing 1-0 and in need of something special.

David Villa almost provided it soon after the restart when he let rip from just inside the box but Howard turned it round the post.

They threw all they had at the Americans but captain Carlos Bocanegra and his defensive partners held firm and against the run of play they scored a second.

LA Galaxy's Landon Donovan sent a cross in from the right and errors by Gerald Pique and Ramos allowed Dempsey to hustle the ball over the line for a famous victory.

Brazil and South Africa play their semi-final on Thursday.

( AFP )

Highlights :

South Africa Striker Parker Uncertain for Brazil

South Africa face a worrying 24 hours to find out if striker Bernard Parker will be fit for Thursday's Confederations Cup semi-final against Brazil.

Parker picked up a minor knee injury in training on Wednesday and is due to undergo medical tests later on Wednesday and in the run-up to kick-off.

Coach Joel Santana reported: "Bernard had a slight problem and he was advised not to continue training.

"He'll be having check-ups to see if he is able to play. It'll be a shame if he doesn't take part tomorrow (Thursday) as he's a new and spontaneous talent."

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The Red Star Belgrade forward has been instrumental in getting South Africa into the last four with his two goals sinking New Zealand to help the hosts take the runners-up spot in their group.

That brace was sweet redemption for Parker after he unwittingly blocked Kagisho Dikgacoi's goal-bound header in the 84th minute of the opening 0-0 draw with Iraq.

The winner of Thursday's game will play the victor of Wednesday's semi-final in Bloemfontain between Spain and the United States.

( AFP )

Real Madrid after Benzema rather than Villa

Lyon striker Karim Benzema is the latest object of desire for moneybags Real Madrid as opposed to Valencia forward David Villa, Marca sports daily reported on Wednesday.

"Nothing is impossible and if we receive a good offer we will not close the door to anyone," Bernard Lacombe, adviser to Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas, told Marca.

The daily said Real had been mulling signing Benzema, of whom Manchester United are also admirers, in a year's time, but changed tack given the reluctance of Valencia's new chairman Manuel Llorente to sell them Spain striker Villa.

Real chairman Florentino Perez, who has already landed Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka this summer for huge fees, has twice met with Benzema's agent Karim Djaziri, first in Madrid then Geneva, according to Marca.

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Benzema would cost around 40 million euros or less if the deal were to include a part-exchange in the shape of either Real's Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar or his compatriot, winger Arjen Robben.

"We take Valencia at their word and we respect their decision (not to sell Villa) and so that is why we are changing target," Real director general Jorge Valdano said Tuesday, without naming Benzema.

Marca indicated Real also have made a combined 35 million euros offer for Liverpool's Spanish pair Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

And the paper added that Real are additionally ready to swoop for Valencia defender Raul Albiol.

( AFP )