Brazil squeeze into Gold Cup final

MIAMI: Brazil came from behind to defeat the United States 2-1 in a CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-final on Wednesday, with Diego scoring a “golden goal penalty”  to take the South Americans into the final.

The spot kick was awarded ten minutes into extra-time when Diego’s goal-bound shot was intentionally handled by defender Cory Gibbs who was red carded for the offense. The goal capped a stirring fightback for the Brazilians who dominated most of the match, but fell behind in the 62nd minute when Carlos Bocanegra headed in a Claudio Reyna free kick to give the US a surprise 1-0 lead. A pro-Brazilian crowd of 35,211 welcomed the goal in a match that appeared to be headed toward a goal-less stalemate.

Brazil, fielding its under-23 side, intensified its efforts to break down the US defence and nearly pulled level in the 74th minute when Julio Baptista was foiled by an acrobatic Kasey Keller save. However, the Brazilians were finally rewarded a minute from time when Kaka latched onto a rebound to beat Keller from nine yards. Brazil now awaits the winner of last night’s other semifinal between Mexico and Costa Rica at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, the site of Sunday’s final. The US faces the loser in the third place game in Miami tomorrow.