David Luiz and Oscar helped Brazil to their third Confederations Cup final in a row as the hosts beat Uruguay 2-1 on Wednesday evening.
The all-South American semi-final was decided by a Paulinho goal five minutes from time, Uruguay having equalised Fred’s first-half opener shortly after the interval.
David Luiz recovered from the knock to his leg that forced him off in the previous game and joined Oscar in the starting line-up in Belo Horizonte, but gave away an early penalty when he pulled Diego Lugano down. However Diego Forlan’s kick was saved by Julio Cesar.
Oscar shot over from distance with Brazil’s first effort but there were few chances for either side in the first half. Luis Suarez missed one that came Uruguay’s way and Hulk did similar for Brazil. Forlan shot over with a worthy effort.
The game was not matching many in this tournament for entertainment but it came to life either side of half-time. Firstly, local boy Fred turned the ball in after Neymar had controlled a long ball and had his shot saved. Brazil were 1-0 up on 41 minutes.
Edinson Cavani was in the right place to equalise three minutes into the second half after he was gifted the ball by Thiago Silva, David Luiz having had his initial clearance charged down.
Thiago Silva then headed only just over his own bar from a Forlan free-kick but Brazil began to improve and turn up the pressure.
Oscar was involved in one of the best moves of the game that led to Neymar’s shot being saved. The Chelsea midfielder was replaced on 72 minutes.
Twelve minutes from time Cavani had a shot deflected just wide but it was Brazil who had the final say, Paulinho found beyond the far post by a Neymar corner for the winning header.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side will now play European opposition in the Maracana on Sunday, looking for a hat-trick of triumph in this competition. Spain play Italy on Thursday evening in the second semi-final.