South American champions Brazil denied Italy's chance to march into the semi-final of the FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday by thumping the World Cup winners 3-0 in their final group match.

In the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, Brazil repeated their habit of beating Italy just as before when Selecao Brasileira (Brazilian Selection) won their two FIFA World Cup final fuels in 1970 and 1994.

Compared with the Azzurri whose defense seemed porous from the outset, Brazil produced a stunning display of their prowess by enjoying better possession of the ball in the first half.

Their blitz of less than 10 minutes was spurred by Luis Fabiano in the 37th minute. The Sevilla striker intercepted a low shot from Maicon on the left and slided the ball into the bottom corner.

Fabiano's second chance came six minutes later.

He slot the ball home at the far post after an excellent build-up from Robinho and Kaka.

The third goal was a mistake by Italian defender Andrea Dossena who put the ball past his own goalkeeper when trying to cut out a cross.

The three scores put Brazil in a firm control of the match before the interval, and enabled Italy to walk on a tightrope to go back home.

Althouth the Azzurri recovered a little in the second half, their efforts to score were all foiled by the saves of Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar in time.

Before the fuel with Brazil, Italy had three points, the same as Egypt who had a match against the United States on Sunday in Rustenburg.

The Azzurri's hope to sail into the next stage became slimmer after their 1-0 defeat by African champions Egypt in the South African economic hub of Johannesburg on Thursday.

It was also a new record in African football history as Italy had never lost to an African team, despite more than a dozen of attempts from the football cradle continent.

Brazil will face the challenge of hosts South Africa in Johannesburg on Thursday in the semi-final of the intercontinental tournament.

Discuss in Message Board / Forum