2-1
South American neighbors Brazil and Uruguay met in the semifinals of the 2013 Confederations Cup. Brazil were perfect in the group stage of the tournament, beating Japan, Mexico, and Italy. Today Uruguay gave them a tough test and Brazil were lucky not to fall behind early in the match.
Defender David Luiz conceded a penalty after he was caught pulling down Uruguay's Lugano during a corner-kick. Diego Forlan elected to take the penalty shot, but Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar blocked the shot and kept the game scoreless.
Near the end of the first-half the deadlock was broken when striker Fred put Brazil in front. Neymar first poked a shot at goal and, coming off his line, Uruguay keeper Muslera parried it away. The block did not clear the box though and Fred was able to finish the loose ball on an empty net (41').
Uruguay were quick to equalize after the half-time break thanks to a poor decision by Luiz Gustavo. Rather than just sending his clearance far down field, he tried to pass out of the back. Unfortunately his pass went right to Cavani who seized the opportunity and leveled the score (48').
The goal energized Uruguay and the match looked like it could go either way. In the last moments of the game though, Brazil pulled back in front. From a corner-kick, Paulinho won the header at the back-post and scored the deciding goal (86').
Brazil will face the winner of the other semifinal of Spain against Italy on Sunday. A lot of pressure is on Brazil as the host nation to win, and the final promises to be an exciting match whoever they may face.
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