US cut down by Brazilians

Jonathan Spector's USA narrowly missed out on what would have been a famous victory in tonight's Confederations Cup final against Brazil.

Despite leading 2-0 at the break the USA succumbed to three second half goals from the South American champions, who held on to the trophy they won in in Germany four years ago.

Spector had a hand in the opening goal when he provided an inswinging cross for Fulham's Clint Dempsey to cleverly convert after just ten minutes. It was the second time in two games the pair had combined to score.

The US - who had already been beaten 3-0 by the Brazilians in the group phase - doubled their lead on the stroke of the half-hour mark when Landon Donovan converted a Charlie Davis cross.

However a different Brazil side emerged from the half time break and the defecit was reduced almost immediately. Luis Fabiano made it 2-1 just a minute into the second period before the same player leveleed the scores with 16 minutes of normal time remaninig.

With the US in a state of shellshock the Brazilians pushed on in search of a late winner and that duly arrived on 84 minutes. Manchester City's Elano provided a pinpoint corner for Lucio which flew in off Howard's post via the head of the 6'4" defender.

Spector's West Ham team mate, Mark Noble, will be hoping for a little more luck tomorrow night when the England under 21s face Germany in the final of the European Championships.