PRETORIA, South Africa (AP)

Luis Fabiano scored a pair of first-half goals to help Brazil beat Italy 3-0 yesterday and eliminate the world champions from the Confederations Cup.

Brazil scored the three goals in an eight-minute span just before half-time, with Luis Fabiano getting on the board in the 37th with a low shot from inside the area and adding another goal from close range in the 43rd.

Brazil added to the lead on a breakaway in the 45th when Italy defender Andrea Dossena scored an own-goal.

"Our team showed physically, technically and in all aspects that it was superior to a great team, a team which is the current world champion," Dunga said.

outplayed

The Italians needed to beat Brazil by at least two goals to reach the semi-finals without having to depend on the other Group B match between Egypt and the United States, but they were outplayed from the start by the Brazilians.

"I feel a little bitter and even the players are saddened," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said. "They didn't portray a very nice image of Italy, but we know the image of Italy is not the one we portrayed in these three matches."

Brazil will face South Africa in the semi-finals, while the United States will play Spain.

The result at the nearly packed Loftus Versfeld Stadium kept alive Brazil's 27-year unbeaten streak against the Italians, who haven't won since the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

Luis Fabiano put Brazil ahead after intercepting a weak shot by right back Maicon inside the area. The striker turned around and sent a low shot into the far corner as Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon charged from the goal.

Luis Fabiano added his second after a quick exchange of passes with Robinho and Kaka. Kaka's final pass eventually found Luis Fabiano near the penalty spot and he just touched the ball into the back of the net.

"I'm very happy for having scored and with the match Brazil played," Luis Fabiano said. "It comes from a lot of effort and a lot of work."

Brazil added to the lead in a breakaway just before half-time when Dossena found his own net.