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Lucio of Brazil lifts the trophy as his teammates celebrate following their victory at the end of the FIFA Confederations Cup Final between USA and Brazil at the Ellis Park Stadium on June 28, 2009 in Johannesburg, South Africa. [CFP]
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Brazil on Sunday became the outright record winners of the FIFA Confederations Cup by sinking North American champions the United States 3-2.
It was the third time for A Selecao to gain the trophy after its victory in 1997 and 2005. That enabled Brazil to surpass the record of two Confederations Cup champion titles shared by France and itself.
For the United States, it was also a historic mark as it was the first time for the country to sail into a world final.
With the passion of over 50,000 spectators, the Yanks' cohesive attacking style proved that it was not a coincidence that they can make the breakthrough in the intercontinental tournament.
As Brazil was still mulling over the attacking strategies patiently, Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey received the cross from defender Jonathan Spector on the right wing and made the ball sliding into the far left corner of the net in the 10th minute, notching the opener for the Stars and Stripes.
The goal spurred A Selecao to unleash attack waves, but that only led to less coordination among the players in crossing. U.S. forward Landon Donavon kicked off a swift counter-attack in the 27th minute to double his side's lead.
Brazil seemed to enlighten itself in the second half and unrelentingly mounted pressure on the U.S. side. With just one minute after the break, Luis Fabiano received the pass from Maicon and fired past U.S. goal keeper Tim Howard, boosting the morale of A Selecao to a great extent.
The equalizer came in 74th minute as Kaka slided the ball across to Machester City forward Robinho. Sevilla FC striker Luis Fabiano slot the ball home finally after Robinho's shot hit the crossbar and bounded back.
With six minutes left, centre-back Lucio's header from Elano's corner before the net sealed a perfect end to the Brazilian's rush to the trophy.
