BRAZIL know they could have problems winning their second consecutive Confederations Cup if they play the final against the United States with the same lack of creativity they displayed in the semi-final against South Africa.
Brazil edged South Africa 1-0 on Thursday after struggling to overcome the hosts' efficient marking and aggressive defence, needing a late free kick from substitute Daniel Alves to secure a spot in tomorrow's final.
"They surprised us," said mid
fielder Ramires. "We knew they were going to defend well and mark well from the beginning, but we didn't expect the kind of intensity they had."
Despite the talents of Kaka and Robinho, Brazil failed to break through South Africa's tight defence. The pair were unable to rediscover the rhythm of the fluid passing game that swept Italy aside in their previous match and scoring chances were at a premium.
Central striker Luis Fabiano was virtually invisible and the few times the ball got to him he had his back to the goal and was marked by at least two defenders. "There was no space anywhere," he said. "Everywhere we went there was someone right there with us."
Brazil will need to find a solution to this lack of creativity in the face of limpet-like defenders if they are beat the United States at Ellis Park to become the first nation to win three Confederations Cup titles, one more than France.
The North Americans showed the same kind of intensity when they upset European Champions Spain in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, constantly blocking shots and intercepting passes to end the Spaniards' 35-match unbeaten streak.
Brazil comfortably beat the US 3-0 in the teams' second group match, when the Americans had to relinquish their defensive tactics after conceding an early goal.
"It was different because of the goal in the beginning of the match," Dunga said. "They had to attack more, normally they don't do that." Maicon, Robinho and Felipe Melo scored a goal each during the Pretoria encounter.
The US went on to beat Egypt to barely advance from the group stage and then reached the final with the stunning victory against Spain.
"I think they learned from the first match against us," Kaka said. "It's going to be much harder this time around."
As well as chasing their third title, victory for Kaka and Co tomorrow night will make Brazil only the second team to win consecutive Confederations Cup titles, along with France, after their Germany 2005 triumph.
Before that, the host nation will take one more bow before what has been a large, enthusiastic following throughout the tournament when they face Spain in this afternoon's 3/4th place play-off in Rustenburg.
