Brazil knocked world champions

Italy out of the Confederations Cup with three quick goals just

before halftime to earn a 3-0 victory on Sunday.

Strikes from Luis Fabiano after 37 and 43 minutes and an own

goal from Andrea Dossena just before the interval left the

holders top of Group B and set up a semi-final against hosts

South Africa in Johannesburg on Thursday.

But the fate of Italy hung in the balance until the dying

moments as it depended on the result of the match between Egypt

and the United States in Rustenburg.

The U.S., who started the night bottom of the group with no

points after two straight defeats, qualified ahead of Italy and

Egypt on goal difference following a shock 3-0 win.

The defeat completed a miserable tournament for Marcello

Lippi's men who were also beaten by Egypt and finished in third

place.

It was also a bittersweet night for captain Fabio Cannavaro

who equalled Paolo Maldini's record of 126 appearances for his

country but was helpless to stop Italy conceeding three goals in

the first half of an international for the first time since 1957

when they lost 6-1 to Yugoslavia.

Only goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and the woodwork stopped

them conceding as many to the Brazilians who head into the last

four having scored 10 goals in three group matches.

It was no real surprise when Brazil went ahead after 37

minutes.

Luis Fabiano scored with a shot on the turn which left

Buffon floundering and he doubled the advantage after a

brilliant move between Robinho and Kaka.

Robinho let the return pass roll past him, Daniele De Rossi

committed himsel and left Luis Fabiano with time to chip the

ball over Buffon.

Worse was to come for the world champions as another driving

run from Robinho forced the unfortunate Dossena to turn the ball

past Buffon and send the Brazilians into raptures.

Brazil could have been 5-0 up at halftime after hitting the

woodwork twice through Ramires and a deflection off De Rossi.

Brazil eased off in the second half as Italy looked for the

goal that would have prevented their exit, but Brazilian keeper

Julio Cesar made fine saves to thwart them.

It was Brazil's second win over Italy this year after

beating them 2-0 in London, leaving the world champions

searching for their first win over their old rivals since Paolo

Rossi's hat-trick gave them a 3-2 victory at the 1982 World Cup.