Confederation Cup.

When Brazil was involved, who want to miss? The Final was between Brazil and USA. Not much known about USA football and the only guy I recognized in the USA side was the Goalkeeper. Howard was the reserve Manchester United Goalkeeper.

Howard played exceptionally well, made several spectacular save from the Brazilian onslaught and his goal posts impenetrable. From a tame pass near the goalmouth, USA got the ball into the net. I couldn’t believe it. In another rare break, USA scored another one and Brazil was two down at half time. I still had hope that Brazil would win and on paper Brazil was a much better team. I was sure they would address the problem in the second half and make amend.

Forty seconds into the second half, Brazil scored. Game on. Brazil did score a goal and the game was about to be level but the Assistant Referee and the Referee himself was cock eye. It was too swiftly deflected by Howard out of goal. Only the playback showed that the ball indeed crossed the line. Brazil did not even protest. Brazil went on to level the score and scored another one for the winning goal. Final result: Brazil 3 USA 2. It was firework and samba in the streets of Brazil. The world was entertained by the brilliant skill of the Brazilian.

The third placing went to Spain beating the host nation, South Africa by 3 goals to 2 after extra time. I was not keen on this match.

The Confederation Cup flew to Brazil.

Brazil would come again to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.