The first semi-final in the Confederations Cup pitted hosts Brazil against their South American counterparts Uruguay.
Diego Forlan had the chance to send Uruguay ahead from the spot after 15 minutes, but Julio Cesar made a fine save to his left.
It was Brazil who went into half time in the lead, however, courtesy of a close-range strike from Fred in the latter stages of the half.
Uruguay were level early in the second period with Edinson Cavani converting from inside the box. However, Brazil won it in the final five minutes when Paulinho headed a Neymar corner into the back of the net.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Confederations Cup coverage continues this evening as the hosts Brazil welcome South American rivals Uruguay in the first semi-final. Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Spain or Italy in the final on Sunday. If the bookmakers are to be believed, we are heading for a mouth-watering tie between Brazil and Spain.
TEAMS:
BRAZIL: Cesar; Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Oscar, Hulk, Neymar; Fred
URUGUAY: Muslera; Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Caceres; Arevalo, Gonzalez, Rodriguez; Forlan, Cavani, Suarez
TEAM NEWS: So there we have it. David Luiz is deemed fit to start despite limping out of the win over Italy, meaning that Dante has dropped to the bench. Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho also continue in midfield, with Neymar, Oscar and Hulk operating behind Fred. Uruguay, meanwhile, name Diego Forlan, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in an attacking lineup.
Brazil have won each of their last two matches against Uruguay, the latest coming in a World Cup qualifier in June 2009, when the Selecao emerged 4-0 winners. However, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s first-ever match in charge of Brazil ended in a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay some 12 years ago. In total, there have been 70 recognised fixtures between the two sides, Brazil have won 32 to Uruguay’s 19.
As mentioned, Brazil booked their spot in the final four after topping Group A. They opened their campaign with a 3-0 win over Japan, before beating Mexico 2-0. They had already secured their spot in the semi-final when they faced Italy in their third and final match, but they made it three wins from three with an impressive 4-2 victory.
Brazil also enter this match on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions, while they have won their last 10 Confederations Cup matches. They are also unbeaten in their last six matches against Uruguay, including two semi-final wins in the Copa America, although both occurred on penalties.
Uruguay, meanwhile, have won four of their last five matches in all competitions. They finished second in Group B behind Spain, who beat them in the opening match of the competition. The South Americans recovered from that disappointment, however, to record back-to-back wins over Nigeria and Tahiti.
Uruguay have not enjoyed the best of times against South American opponents, however, with just one win from their last seven matches. That said, many will still remember the famous ‘Maracanazo’ victory, when Uruguay overcome Brazil in the 1950 World Cup final. Can they draw inspiration from that match to pull through this evening?
Right, we are just about five minutes from kickoff, which can mean only one thing, time for my pre-match prediction. In truth, I am finding it difficult to make a case for Uruguay this evening. They have some wonderful attacking talent, but with the home support behind them, I expect Brazil to book their spot in the final. I wonder whether a certain Neymar will produce some magic once more.
Here we go then. It must be said that there is a truly wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Both teams have joined us on the pitch. The noise is just deafening as Brazil ready themselves for the national anthem. Just a reminder that the winner of this tie will face either Spain or Italy in the final, with the European pair meeting tomorrow evening.
You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be crucial in this type of match. Both sides have an incredible amount of attacking talent on display, but neither side has been watertight in defence. The world is watching. Uruguay get the action underway in this stunning stadium. Let's hope that the match lives up to the occasion.
Cavani, Suarez, Neymar, Hulk, Fred. Just some of the attacking personnel on display this evening. One thing is for certain, neither of these two sides will attempt to contain their opponent this evening, which should produce a wonderful spectacle. Early free kick for Uruguay on the left, but Pereira's delivery is headed clear by Luiz.
Brazil have just started to take control of the possession with Marcelo twice looking to feed Fred outside the box, but the away side have been able to quell the danger thus far. Oscar tries his luck from outside the box moments later, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Nervy moment for Luiz down the other end under pressure from Forlan, but the Chelsea centre-back does manage to clear for a throw.
Uruguay force the first corner of the match after good work from Forlan, but Thiago Silva is on hand to clear at his near post. Brazil attempt to break down the other end with Neymar, but Arevalo is across to make the challenge. Real end-to-end football in the opening six minutes between these two South American rivals, but still no clear chances for either side.
It's good work from Alves this time as the Barcelona right-back collects possession on the right before delivering a cross into the box, but Lugano is on hand to make the clearance. It falls to Suarez, who attempts to break, but the Liverpool forward loses possession. Quite a scrappy period of the match with the challenges flying in from both sides. Still goalless with eight minutes on the clock.
Bit of stick for the referee as he penalises Paulinho for handball in the Uruguay half, but replays have shown that it was indeed the correct decision. Alves is willing on the right once more, but his cross is too high for Fred. No real pattern to the match at the moment, but we have had plenty of indications that goals will arrive. Still no drop in this sensational atmosphere.
Good spell for Uruguay in the last couple of moments with Cavani and Suarez both delivering crosses into the box, but twice Gustavo has been on hand to make the clearance. Brazil have started strongly in all three of their matches thus far, but that has not been the case this time around. No real sign of Neymar or Hulk in the opening 12 minutes of this semi-final.
PENALTY TO URUGUAY!
Uruguay have been awarded a penalty with 13 minutes on the clock as Luiz is adjudged to have pulled Lugano down in the penalty area. What on earth has he done? Forlan will take the penalty. Some pressure on the former Manchester United striker.
CESAR SAVES THE PENALTY!
Oh my word what a save from the Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper. The penalty was hard and in the corner, but Cesar was on hand to push wide of the post. A half-chance follows moments later from the resulting corner, but Brazil manage to clear. Oh my word this place has just exploded.
There is no question that Luiz felled Lugano in the penalty area. Brazil are not happy about the decision, but their goalkeeper has come to their rescue. The home side attempt to force the issue down the other end as Neymar drives down the left, but Pereira is across to make the clearance. Uruguay are the better side with 18 minutes on the clock, but the score remains goalless.
Half-chance for Oscar as the Chelsea midfielder collects possession outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about at the moment with Uruguay more than matching their opponents in all areas. Half-chance for Hulk inside the area, but his effort is blocked by Caceres. Little over 21 minutes on the clock in this first semi-final.
Cavani gets on the wrong side of the referee as he tugs Neymar outside the box, with the Napoli striker handed a yellow card. Neymar is involved from the resulting free kick as he whips a cross into the box, but Lugano clears behind his own crossbar. Still no real threat from the home side in the opening 23 minutes of football.
Again it's bright work from Cavani as the striker robs Neymar of possession before finding Pereira down the right, but his cross is blocked by Paulinho. Uruguay continue to force the issue with two throws deep in the Brazilian half, but the danger is cleared on each occasion. Cavani has a header moments later, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar.
The challenges are really flying in at the moment, but the home supporters are not happy with the official. Twice Neymar carries possession into the opposing half before being felled, but the referee is not interested. A set piece arrives for Uruguay down the other end, but Rodriguez's delivery is straight into the arms of Cesar. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in the first period.
CHANCE! First clear chance of the match for the home side as Hulk combines with Oscar before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it was always floating wide of the post. That is just about as close as Brazil have come in the opening 29 minutes of football. Dani Alves takes a blow in the face moments later, but the defender is deemed fit to continue.
Silva is forced to look long towards Fred, but Muslera comes out to claim. Half-chance for Forlan moments later as the forward combines with Suarez before thumping an effort towards the top corner, but it just whistled wide of the post. There is no question that Uruguay have come the closest to opening the scoring. Somehow the score remains 0-0 with little under 15 minutes of the half remaining.
Slightly bitty period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene with a number of challenges arriving late from both sides. Fred battles for possession in the air moments later, but again the former Lyon striker is isolated. The noise has just dropped inside the stadium for the first time this evening.
First real sign of Marcelo as an attacking threat as the left-back drives a cross into the box, but Muslera is out to collect under pressure from Fred. Suarez is again involved for Uruguay as he wins possession in the centre circle before looking for Cavani, but his pass had too much power. Neymar wins a corner down the other end moments later, but once more Lugano rises to clear.
Alves continues to burst forward for Brazil, but the quality of his crosses have been poor thus far. It's good work from Oscar moments later as the Chelsea midfielder combines with Neymar outside the box, but once more the cross is blocked. Fred has a half-chance moments later, but he can only clip his effort over the crossbar from inside the box.
The passing from Brazil has been very lacklustre in this first period with Uruguay comfortable dealing with each high ball into the box. Gustavo attempts to quicken it around the box, but it breaks down with Hulk. Not too much from Uruguay in terms of attacking intent in the last few moments, but they are always a threat on the counter. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining.
First sign of ill-feeling between these two rivals as Gustavo puts a heavy challenge on Rodriguez, with the Atletico Madrid midfielder left on the floor. Both sets of players engage in hand-bags, but the referee is on hand to quieten proceedings. Work to do for Mr Scolari at half time. His side have been second best thus far.
GOAL! Brazil 1-0 Uruguay (Fred)
Brazil lead! It's wonderful work from Neymar as the Barcelona attacker collects possession on his chest before striking an effort on goal, Muslera makes the save, but Fred is on hand to bundle into the back of the net from close range. Out of nowhere, Brazil lead in this semi-final.
Well, that just might change the manager's teamtalk at the interval. Brazil have not been good in this match make no mistake about that, but they lead. Can Uruguay respond? They should be ahead at this stage of the match there is no question about that. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half.
It's all Brazil in the latter stages of the half with Fred and Oscar involved outside the box, eventually the former drives a low cross into the box, but the danger is cleared. Scrappy from Uruguay in the last couple of moments as they hand Brazil a couple of free kicks in and around their penalty box.
HALF-TIME: Brazil 1-0 Uruguay
So there we have it. Brazil lead Uruguay at the interval courtesy of a strike from Fred in the latter stages of the half. It could and perhaps should have been different, however, with Uruguay missing a penalty early in the half. As it stands, the home side are heading into the final of the Confederations Cup.
STATISTICS: Brazil have enjoyed more of the possession with 57%, but there is no question that they are fortunate to enter the break in the lead. You just get the feeling that Uruguay needed to score during their dominant period. They are big underdogs to turn this one around in front of such a passionate crowd.
BENCH WATCH: Both sides have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening. The likes of Jo, Jadson, Bernard and Lucas could be introduced for Brazil. Meanwhile, Uruguay have Gaston Ramirez, Nicolas Lodeiro and Abel Hernandez in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sides join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not a big surprise based on what we have seen thus far. You just get the feeling that the next goal could decide this match. Brazil will surely improve, it has been their poorest showing in this competition by some distance. Right, Brazil get the second period underway.
Unfortunately there have been reports of more disturbances outside the stadium as anti-World Cup demonstrators continue to protest outside the stadium. As a result, there are a number of police helicopters currently hovering over the stadium. Let's hope that the trouble is kept to a minimum. Right back to events on the field, Pereira has set the tempo in the second period with a late, high challenge on Hulk.
GOAL! Brazil 1-1 Uruguay (Cavani)
Uruguay level! It's Cavani with the goal as the Napoli forward capitalises on some poor defending from Brazil before sweeping his effort into the bottom corner. Fine finish from the striker, but that is just about as poor as it gets in a defensive position.
Half-chance for Brazil as Hulk drives towards the penalty area before finding Fred, but the striker just could not poke it back towards his teammate. Uruguay threaten down the other end with Suarez, but he runs into a number of yellow shirts. Suddenly the atmosphere inside the stadium has become rather nervy. Uruguay are on the front foot here.
The crowd rises to its feet as Neymar collects possession in a wide area before driving into the box, but Pereira is across to make the challenge. Brazil just do not look comfortable in defensive areas at the moment as Luiz is forced to slice clear under pressure from Rodriguez. What a match we have on our hands this evening.
Brazil want a penalty as Godin tangles with Hulk in the box, but the referee is simply not interested. Everything from Brazil continues to arrive through Neymar as the little attacker drives a low cross into the box, but Lugano is across to clear. Real end-to-end football with 55 minutes on the clock.
Nervy moment for Muslera as the Uruguay goalkeeper comes a long way to collect, but it falls to Oscar, who can only head over the crossbar. A dangerous corner arrives from Neymar moments later, but Cavani is back to perform his defensive work. Cavani has been everywhere this evening. He is starting to look like a £54m player in this tournament.
It just isn't quite happening for Brazil at the moment with the likes of Hulk and Fred struggling to get into the match. Forlan continues to threaten down the other end, but the pace of Silva has twice bailed out his team. Forlan strikes one from outside the box moments later, but Cesar makes the save. Little over 30 minutes of normal time remaining. As it stands, we are heading for extra time.
An explosive free kick from Hulk threatens to harm Uruguay, but Muslera manages to punch it behind for a corner. Hulk takes the resulting set piece, but the delivery is poor. Brazil have just raised the tempo in the last couple of moments, but they are finding it tough to break down this Uruguay defence. The next goal is just so crucial in this type of match.
Really scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with neither side creating too much in the final third. The referee has also been busier in the last few moments as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. This stadium, which was so vibrant at the start of play, is almost silent as Uruguay enjoy possession in the Brazilian half.
Hulk attempts the spectacular as he meets a high ball in the box, but his volley is high and wide of the crossbar. Brazil make their first change of the match as the exciting youngster Bernard enters the field in place of Hulk, who has had a really poor night this evening. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining.
Forget Cavani the striker - what about Cavani the centre-back?! He has been sensational in defensive areas this evening, denying Marcelo with a fine challenge in his own penalty area. It has been a bright start from Bernard, meanwhile, with the youngster injecting pace into the Brazilian forward line. Half-chance for Suarez moments later, but his powerful header is saved by Cesar.
CHANCE! Another fine opportunity for Brazil as Neymar finds Bernard down the left, the teenager in turn finds Fred in the box, but the experienced forward can only volley over the crossbar. You just get the feeling that the pace has lifted as we approach the final 20 minutes. In my opinion, the next goal will win this match.
Another half-chance for the home side as Oscar combines with Neymar before the latter curls an effort towards the top corner, but Muslera is on hand to make the save. I am not entirely sure what Bernard has had for dinner, but I want some. He has been everywhere since entering the field. No changes for Uruguay thus far, but I suspect that will change in the next five minutes or so. We are heading for extra time as it stands.
Gustavo tries his luck from outside the box, but his effort was straight into the arms of Muslera, who has had a really impressive tournament this summer. Uruguay have possession down the other end moments later, but Silva clears. Meanwhile, Brazil make their second change of the evening as Hernanes replaces the tiring Oscar with little over 15 minutes remaining.
Threat from Brazil on the counter as Neymar finds Bernard down the right, but his cross is too long for Fred, who had pulled onto the back post. Not a good moment from Gonzalez as the midfielder appears to strike Neymar on the floor, with the Uruguayan joining Cavani in the book. It's all on-way traffic as we approach the final 10 minutes of this match.
Still no changes for Uruguay as we approach the final 10 minutes. Just a reminder that this match must be decided this evening, therefore we will play extra time and then penalties if needed. Brazil continue to force the issue with low crosses into the box, but Godin continues to clear on each occasion. How good has he been this evening?!
Silva attempts a strike from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Just a few signs that Uruguay are starting to tire in the latter stages of this match, which makes the lack of changes all the more surprising. Cavani comes close with a strike from inside the box, but it just deflects past the post. Inches away from handing Uruguay a 2-1 lead with 81 minutes on the clock.
Hardly time to take a breath at the moment as both sides commit players to each attack. Suarez attempts to force the issue for Uruguay, but Luiz is across to make the challenge. Brazil pass and probe outside the box down the other end, but eventually the danger is cleared. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Uruguay make their first change of the match as Walter Gargano enters the field in place of Gonzalez, who hobbles off the pitch with a suspected ankle injury. A Brazil corner presents a chance to Marcelo moments later, but the Real Madrid defender can only volley high and wide of the crossbar. Are we heading for extra time between these two South American rivals?
GOAL! Brazil 2-1 Uruguay (Paulinho)
Brazil lead! Oh my word this stadium has just erupted. The home side take the lead in the final five minutes as Neymar's header is thumped into the back of the net by Paulinho. He might have just sent his side into the final.
Muslera has had a very good tournament, but he was at fault for that goal there is no question about that. He came for the cross, but got nowhere near it. Brazil are little over two minutes away from making the final. It is cruel on Uruguay, who have been impressive this evening.
Brazil are just running down the clock at the moment as Neymar wins a free kick down the right, before playing it to Luiz as the seconds continue to drift on. Uruguay are not happy as Neymar hits the deck once more, with the referee not interested in awarding a free kick. We are into the final minute here.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of the match. We are indeed into the second of those. Brazil make their third change of the match as Dante enters in place of Neymar, who has once more had a say in this match. He has been the star of the show for the home side.
Uruguay continue to force the issue in the latter stages as Forlan drives a cross into the box, but Luiz makes the challenge. Muslera threatens from the resulting corner, but once more the danger is cleared. Brazil are almost there as Marcelo challenges Suarez in the box.
FULL-TIME: Brazil 2-1 Uruguay
So there we have it. Brazil book their spot in the final of the Confederations Cup courtesy of a 2-1 win over Uruguay. It was far form pretty, but they will contest the final against either Spain or Italy on Sunday. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for the second semi-final tomorrow. Until then!
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