Brazil scored in the 80th minute when Savio’s shot deflected off U.S. captain Marcelo Balboa and went into the net in give the Brazilians a 1-0 win over the USA in the semifinals of the Gold Cup.
Brazil dominated the first half, but the USA had the advantage in play through much of the second half.
The best USA chance came late in the first half when defender Narciso gave the ball up to John Harkes, who broke in alone on goalie Dida. Harkes passed the ball to the wide-open Eric Wynalda, but his shot was cleared off the line by Carlinhos.
The USA meets the loser of the Mexico-Guatemala match in the third-plcae game Jan. 21.
If Brazil wins the tournament, the second- and third-place teams will play off to determine the CONCACAF champion and the team that will compete in the Inter Continental Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Jan. 18 in Los Angeles
USA 0, Brazil 1. Goal: Balboa (own goal) 80.
USA — Keller, Lalas, Burns, Balboa, Agoos (Lassiter, 84), Dooley (Reyna, 29), Harkes, Ramos, Jones, Wynalda, Moore.
Brazil — Dida, Ze Maria, Narciso (Alexandre Lopes, 90), Flavio Conceicao, Andre Luis, Caio, Amaral, Arilson, Savio, Carlinhos, Jamelli.
Shots: USA 1, Brazil 8. Saves: USA (Keller 5), Brazil (Dida) 1. Fouls: USA 15, Brazil 8. Corners: USA 5, Brazil 11. Offsides: USA 6, Brazil 1. Yellows:
Wynalda (90); Flavio Conceicao (21).
Referee: Archundia (Mexico).
Att.: 22,038.