Brazil picked up the pace just in time yesterday, waking up from a slow start to beat the United States 3-2 and win a second consecutive Confederations Cup title.
Brazil had been held to a 1-0 victory over host South Africa in the semi-finals three days ago, and it looked as though their attack was headed for another disappointing performance against the United States until they finally got things going in the second half.
The match against South Africa had marked the first time Brazil was held to a single goal in six matches. If the team had failed to score yesterday, it would have been the team's first scoreless match in 10 games since a 0-0 draw with Colombia in a World Cup qualifier in Rio de Janeiro last June.
"We were able to correct our positioning and that allowed us to pressure our opponent a little more in the second half," Brazil coach Dunga said. "The US were able to score after we made mistakes at the back."
Controlled possession
Brazil controlled possession after conceding a goal just 10 minutes into the match at Ellis Park, but couldn't find ways to get past the American defence. They pressured even more after going two goals down in the 27th, but still without success.
As against South Africa, they had difficulties getting near the goal and the few times Brazil were able to move past the Americans' packed midfield, goalkeeper Tim Howard came up with big saves.
After half-time, Brazil started to move the ball better and were able to use the flanks more often. Dunga put in midfielder Elano and right back Daniel Alves, giving the team more quality in attack.
"We made some changes and things improved," Dunga said. "We gained more control and more speed."
Luis Fabiano's early goal in the beginning of the second half was crucial for Brazil. The Sevilla striker sent a low shot into the net from just inside the penalty area after a pass by right back Maicon.
"When Luis Fabiano scored the first goal it gave us a lot of motivation and strength," Kaka said.
Top scorer
Luis Fabiano, the tournament's top scorer with five goals, equalised in the 74th with a close-range header after a run from Kaka on the left flank. Robinho's shot deflected off the crossbar and Luis Fabiano was there to put it into the back of the net.
"The US surprised us today," Luis Fabiano said. "But we were able to come back for the second half more focused. Dunga gave us confidence at half-time. He said it was still possible."
Brazil captain Lucio sealed Brazil's come-from-behind victory with a header from an Elano corner in the 84th.
Fast start
The Brazilian attack got off to a fast start at the Confederations Cup, scoring 10 goals in the first three group-stage matches - a 4-3 win over Egypt and consecutive 3-0 victories over the United States and world champions Italy.
It looked as if Brazil's attack was peaking, but the Brazilians struggled to get past the aggressive marking of the South Africans and were not able to create many scoring chances. Brazil needed an 88th-minute free kick goal from substitute right back Daniel Alves to reach the final.
In the team's previous seven matches before the final, including three World Cup qualifiers, Brazil had outscored its opponents 20-4. Victory on Sunday kept alive a seven-match winning streak for Brazil. The team's last draw was a 1-1 result at Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier in March.
Brazil haven't lost in 16 matches, since a 2-0 defeat at Paraguay in a qualifier in June 2008.