Brazil produced a stunning first-half display en route to a 3-0 defeat of Italy that thrust them into the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup and eliminated the reigning world champions.
Meanwhile USA managed to pull off mission improbable and book a place in the semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Egypt in the other Group B Match.
A Luis Fabiano double put Brazil in firm command over the world chapions before an Andrea Dossena own goal completed the scoring on the stroke of the interval. Brazil will now take on South Africa in the second semi-final in Johannesburg on Thursday. USA will face Group A winners Spain in Mangaung/Bloemfontein one day earlier.
For USA, Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey all got on the scoresheet to book an unlikely last-four place.
Egypt looked in the mood to roll over the previously winless Americans at the start, hitting out with the keener verve and asking all the early questions.
But the Americans were unfazed and marched right up the other end to open the scoring. The goal came well against the run of play in the 21st minute. Davies, brought on by coach Bob Bradley, snuck in to take advantage of an uncommon fumble by goalkeeper Essam El Hadary – Egypt’s hero of their win over Italy – to poke home from close range.
Star striker Landen Donovan had said before the match "Soccer is a funny game, anything can happen." How right he was.
FIFA Confederation’s Cup
Sunday 21 June
Group B – Results
Brazil: 3
Italy: 0
Egypt: 0
USA: 3