Paulinho’s late header sends Brazil into decider

Brazil 2 Uruguay 1

The scores were level with five minutes remaining with extra-time on the cards, but the Brazil midfielder produced the goods after an all-round average performance from the home side against one of their closest rivals.

Fred opened the scoring three minutes before the break to put Brazil ahead after Diego Forlan had missed a penalty for Uruguay.

Edinson Cavani then equalised early in the second half, thanks in part to some woeful Brazilian defence, before Tottenham target Paulinho sealed a place in the final where they will face either Italy or Spain — who tonight face-off in the second semi-final — on Sunday.

It was a below-par performance, especially from Brazil in the first period, and Uruguay will be left to rue missed opportunities, most notable Forlan’s from the spot.

BRAZIL: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Luiz,Marcelo, Oscar (Hernanes 72), Gustavo, Paulinho, Fred, Hulk (Bernard 64), Neymar (Dante 90).

URUGUAY: Muslera, Lugano, Godin, Caceres, Maxi Pereira, Rodriguez, Arevalo Rios, Gonzalez (Gargano 83), Forlan, Suarez, Cavani.

Referee: Enrique Osses (Chile).