CONFEDERATIONS CUP SEMI-FINAL:Brazil 1 South Africa 0

DANIEL ALVES scored two minutes from time to give holders Brazil a hard-earned win over the hosts last night and a place in Sunday’s final against the US.

Alves, who had only been on the field for six minutes, lashed home a direct free-kick from the edge of the penalty area after South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena had fouled Ramires.

Itumeleng Khune made a point-blank save with his feet to deny Brazil a second goal when Luis Fabiano was one-on-one with the young goalkeeper.

The late flurry was among few moments of enterprise for Brazil, who were playing their sixth international in three weeks and seemed content to soak up most of the pressure.

At times it appeared South Africa might add to the list of shock results at the two-week tournament which had already seen World Cup holders Italy beaten by Egypt in the group phase and European champions Spain sunk by the US in Wednesday’s semi-final in Bloemfontein.

The 2010 World Cup hosts, who have been in the doldrums for several years, looked enterprising and were a match for Brazil for most of the game but lacked a finishing touch.

South Africa had the better of the first-half chances, testing Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar with two long-range shots while Mokoena headed over from one metre in the 21st minute.

A Siphiwe Tshabalala free-kick was also palmed over, and at the other end Julio Cesar got a fingertip to deny Steven Pienaar’s rasping effort two minutes before half-time.

The hosts were tentative at first, with some wild defensive clearances reflecting their nerves, but then gained confidence as they enjoyed most of the possession.

But when they got to the edge of the Brazilian area they seemed unsure in their decision making.

BRAZIL:Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Luisao, Andre Santos (Dani Alves 82), Silva, Felipe Melo, Ramires, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano (Kleberson 90). Subs not used: Victor, Kleber, Elano, Miranda, Josue, Julio Baptista, Alexandre Pato, Nilmar, Gomes. Booked: Felipe Melo, Andre Santos, Dani Alves.

SOUTH AFRICA:Khune, Gaxa, Booth, Mokoena, Masilela, Pienaar (Van Heerden 90), Dikgacoi, Mhlongo, Modise (Mashego 90), Tshabalala (Mphela 90), Parker. Subs not used: Fernandez, Davids, Mdledle, Fanteni, Moon, Khumalo, Gould, Baloyi. Booked: Masilela.

Referee:Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).