Brazil thrash Italy 3-0

Written by Nicholas Savage , 21.06 22h48

Three goals in eight minutes from Brazil sent World Champions Italy tumbling out of the Confederations Cup.

Luis Fabiano scored a brace and an Andrea Dossena own goal, saw top the Group B, allowing the USA to sneak into second spot on goal-difference following their 3-1 victory of Egypt in Rustenburg.

Brazil went ahead in the 37th minute as Fabiano collected Maicon’s poor shot and, with Cannavaro playing him onside, turned and fired past a helpless Buffon.

And it was 2-0 six minutes later with Fabiano getting his second as Kaka’s square ball was missed by Robinho and the Italian De Rossi, but Fabiano was on hand to chip the ball over Buffon, who must have been wondering where his defence had gone.

Two minutes later things went worse for Italy with a shocking own goal from Liverpool left-back Dossena. Brazil had broke quickly from a corner, with Robinho attempting to find an unmarked Ramires at the back post. Dossena intercepted the ball, steering it past a Buffon.

The second half failed to get anywhere near the heights of the first. Kaka went close from 30-yards, while Italy's best chance came from Pepe who saw his goal-bound effort blocked by Brazilian defenders after Julio Cezar was caught in possession and off his line.

Brazil will now meet hosts South Africa in the second semifinal at Ellis Park on Thursday, following Spain vs USA in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.