JOHANNESBURG (AP)

Brazil knows it could have problems winning a second consecutive Confederations Cup if it plays the final against the United States with the same lack of creativity it displayed in the semi-final against South Africa.

Brazil just beat South Africa 1-0 on Thursday after struggling to overcome the host's efficient marking and aggressive defence, needing a late free kick from substitute Daniel Alves to secure a spot in tomorrow's final.

"They surprised us," midfielder Ramires said. "We knew they were going to defend well and mark well from the beginning, but we didn't expect the kind of intensity they had."

Despite the talents of Kaka and Robinho, Brazil failed to break through South Africa's tight defence.

The duo was not able to put together any decent exchange of passes as they had in previous matches, and couldn't find options to create significant scoring chances.

"They filled in the spaces pretty quickly and that made things harder for us," Dunga said.

But Brazil will need to find a solution to the lack of creativity if it wants to beat the United States at Ellis Park to become the first nation to win three Confederations Cup titles, one more than France.

The Americans showed intensity when they upset No. 1 ranked Spain in Bloemfontein, constantly blocking shots and intercepting passes to end the Spaniards' 35-match unbeaten streak.

Brazil comfortably beat the US in the teams' second group match, when the Americans had to relinquish their defensive tactics after conceding an early goal.

Maicon, Robinho and Felipe Melo scored a goal each to give Brazil the win in that match in Pretoria.