The Barcelona star Dani Alves scored direct from a free kick two minutes from time to give Brazil a hard-earned 1-nil win over hosts South Africa and a place in the Confederations Cup football final.
Substitute Alves, who had only been on the field for six minutes, lashed home a shot from the edge of the penalty area after South Africa skipper Aaron Mokoena had fouled Ramires.
Brazil, bidding to retain the trophy they won in 2005, now face United States in Monday morning's final while South Africa meet Spain in the third-place playoff.
South Africa's best chance came in the first half when Mokoena headed over the bar from a metre out.
