SoccerBafana Bafana lacked finishing touch

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That is what separates the best teams in the world from the rest of us - when they get an opportunity to score, more often than not, they take advantage.

South Africa could just as easily be celebrating their most famous victory right now had they been more precise in front of goal. Unfortunately for them, their best chance of the game fell to a defender.

In the first half, Aaron Mokoena, who put in an otherwise flawless display at the back, found himself on the end of a well-worked free kick with Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar at his mercy.

Mokoena's movement to get into that position was superb; sadly, his finishing ability was not.

The South African skipper somehow managed to sky his header over the bar when it seemed easier to score. It was a scare for the favoured Brazilians, who looked a shadow of the side who had swept aside Egypt, the USA and Italy in the group stage.

There wasn't a great deal to choose from between South Africa and Brazil over 90 minutes. Neither team looked likely to claim victory during regulation play, at least not until Brazilian manager Dunga threw on substitute Dani Alves.

I suppose it speaks volumes about the strength of the Brazilian squad when the manager can look down his bench and see one of the finest fullbacks in the world waiting to enter the game. Relegated to riding the pine due to the outstanding form of incumbent Maicon, Alves would be a certain starter on just about any other team in the world.

Shortly after Alves entered the game, Brazil was awarded a free kick on the edge of the South African penalty area. The super sub stepped forward, took his measure and unleashed an unstoppable drive off the inside of the right hand post and into the back of the net. Itumeleng Khune was powerless to do anything about it in the South African goal.

That was all it took to send Brazil through to the final, where the defending champions will once again lock horns with the underdog Americans. The result was hard luck for the Bafana Bafana, but it will give them, and their fans, hope looking forward to the World Cup in a year's time.

And what are we to make of the United States? Can they possibly repeat their heroics against the Samba Kings, defying the conventional wisdom that eventually cream rises to the top?

They have a chance, just as they did against Spain. But just like in their game against the European champions, the USA will have to execute their game plan to perfection if they are to pull off a similar result against the South American champs.

They will need immense performances from their two central defenders, Oguchi Onyewu and Jay DeMerit, as well as from their goalkeeper, Tim Howard. They will, however, miss the influence of midfielder Michael Bradley, who was harshly sent off in the game against Spain and is ruled out through suspension.

As easy as it is to dislike Landon Donovan, even his most vocal critics have to admit that he has played quite well for the U.S. at the Confederations Cup. He will also need to bring his best to beat the Brazilians.

Donovan, the all-time leading goal scorer for the U.S., has risen to the occasion for his country in South Africa and he has formed a good understanding with Jozy Altidore in attack.

The 19-year old Altidore is someone the U.S. can look at to lead the line for years to come. Big, strong and quick with an eye for goal, he is the prototypical striker in the modern game. If he can develop his potential and flourish, he may well go on to eclipse Donovan's goal-scoring record one day.

Altidore can cause Brazilian defenders Lucio and Luisao some problems in Sunday's final, but there is one more thing the U.S. is going to need in the final against Brazil – a bit of luck. David doesn't slay Goliath twice in one week very often.

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