By JUSTIN FERGUSON
As tens of thousands of protesters continued their clash with police in the streets, the Brazilian national team continued its quest for another Confederations Cup title with a dramatic win over South American rivals Uruguay on Wednesday.
Brazil punched its ticket to the final by defeating the Copa America champions 2-1 off a late header from midfielder Paulinho. Although he did not find the back of the net like in Brazil’s three group matches, Neymar played a huge part in the winner by sending in the 86th-minute corner kick to his goal-scoring teammate.
Despite controlling a large part of the possession and receiving a boost from a Julio Cesar save of a Uruguay penalty, it took Brazil over 40 minutes to find the opener. The normally quick-scoring Brazil scored right before halftime off a combination play from Paulinho and Neymar. While the winger’s first attempt was saved, striker Fred was there for a scuffed rebound.
The lead only lasted a few minutes into the second half as poor defensive work led to a 48th-minute equalizer from Edinson Cavani. The match, which contained five yellow cards, became even more physical down the stretch as Brazil pressed for a winner.
The Selecao found it with four minutes left, and they now will face the winner of Thursday’s semifinal between Spain and Italy on Sunday.
Here are some more stories from around the world:
TEVEZ INTRODUCED AT JUVENTUS
Carlos Tevez was greeted by hundreds of cheering fans and the No. 10 jersey in Turin on Wednesday as his move to the back-to-back Italian champions was made official.
Manchester City and Juventus have agreed to a £10 million deal for the Argentine striker that could be £12 million with add-ons. Tevez has signed a three-year contract with the Italian giants.
Tevez scored 74 goals in 148 appearances for Manchester City, who he joined in 2009 from bitter rivals Manchester United for a transfer fee of £47 million. He had a tumultuous relationship with former manager Roberto Mancini, and the striker once left the club for several months in the 2011-12 season after an incident in a Champions League group stage match against Bayern Munich.
The move leaves Manchester City with only two first-team strikers, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko. The club will reportedly save around £27 million as a result of the Tevez sale.
U-20 WORLD CUP: ENGLAND HELD TO ANOTHER DRAW, IRAQ RALLIES TO WIN
They are down, but the Three Lions are not out of contention in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Chile.
Harry Kane’s second half equalizer gave the England U-20s hope of survival in the tournament as they sit in third place of Group E with two points. Nicolas Castillo put Chile up in the first half with a solid penalty conversion, and Bryan Rabello came close to a late winner when his shot cannoned off the crossbar.
In the other Group E match, Iraq recorded a 2-1 comeback win over Egypt to grab a knockout qualifying spot. Iraq, who rallied from two down to draw with England in the opener, got a 79th-minute winner from Mohanad Abdulraheem on a fantastic individual effort.
In Group F, Uruguay cruised past New Zealand in a 2-0 win. Croatia and Uzbekistan stayed level in the group’s top two spots after a 1-1 draw.
QUICK KICKS
Manchester United have announced that longtime first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has left the club. (REPORT)
Steven Gerrard told Liverpool’s official website he will be healthy for the start of the Reds’ preseason campaign. (REPORT)
Gonzalo Higuain’s brother—and agent—told reporters that the Argentine striker is close to joining Arsenal from Real Madrid. (REPORT)
An estimated 8,000 fans were on hand for Bayern Munich’s first training session under new manager Pep Guardiola. (REPORT)
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What do you make of these reports? Think Brazil will keep the Confederations Cup title at home on Sunday? How do you see Tevez fitting in at Juventus? What U-20 results today stood out to you?
Share your thoughts below.