Brazil-South Africa preview

The hosts and the holders will collide in an enchanting semi-final at Ellis Park. South Africa claim they have nothing to lose; Brazil, the five-time world champions, evidently do.

The match
Brazil-South Africa
Ellis Park, 25 June

South Africa hope their vibrant supporters can help them upset a Brazilian side that radiated during the group stage. Dunga's team seized maximum points from three games, scoring ten times in the process, and with Maicon, KakaKaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano set to line up at Ellis Park, they are the favourites to book a meeting against Spain or USA.

However, Bafana Bafana are desperate to lift their supporters' optimism ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, and beating Brazil would certainly achieve this. In Teko Modise, Steven PienaarSteven Pienaar and Bernard Parker, Joel Santana has players capable of turning a game at his disposal.

Key battle
Siboniso Gaxa vs. Kaka
Throughout the group stage, Kaka exhibited the football that won him the FIFA World Player of the Year award for 2007. Having scored twice and been at the heart of many's of Brazil's attacks, he will now strive to undo South Africa.

Before the FIFA Confederations Cup, little was known of Bafana Bafana right-back Siboniso Gaxa. But while his reputable team-mate have, at times, struggled, Gaxa has excelled with competent defending and impressive bursts forward.

Looking back
South Africa 2-3 Brazil, 24 April 1996, Nelson MandelaNelson Mandela Challenge, Johannesburg
Brazil found themselves 2-0 down to a South Africa side including Lucas Radebe and Doctor Khumalo. However, RivaldoRivaldo, Bebeto, Romario and Co fought back to edge a five-goal thriller.

The stat
10 - The number of goals that have been scored by Brazil in the FIFA Confederations Cup thus far. South Africa have been on target twice.

Did you know?
Brazil coach Dunga captained his country when they played South Africa in 1996.

The quotes
"We deserve to be in the semi-finals, we got four points. We outplayed New Zealand. We beat them 2-0, but could have scored six while Iraq were totally negative. I am happy to be in the semi-finals, I could have been heading home. But now I am looking forward to a major semi-final of a big FIFA event," South Africa coach Joel Santana

"South Africa are an emerging team, but we know they will give us a difficult test. They're strong, quick and they will have the crowd behind them. But we'll be well prepared. Brazil have a very strong squad, which helps in a tournament like this. Every player in the squad is a first-teamer," Brazil coach Dunga