Brazil through in spite of late scare
Wednesday, 22 June 2005 22:07World Cup holders Brazil will play host nation Germany in one semi-final of the Confederations Cup while Mexico will take on Argentina in the other match.
Brazil survived a late Japan fightback to claim a 2-2 draw and make it safely through to the semi-finals.
Brazil took a lead through Robinho before Japan hit back with a stunning 30-metre drive from Shunsuke Nakamura.
Ronaldinho restored the Brazilian lead in the 32nd minute before substitute Masashi Oguro fired in on the rebound with two minutes to go.
In the other game in the group, Mexico and Greece produced the first 0-0 draw of this year's Cup in an exciting game that merely lacked a goal.
The point Mexico gained ensured they finished top of Group B and will now play Group A runners-up Argentina in their semi-final in Hanover on Sunday.
Greece finished bottom of the group behind Brazil and Japan, who drew 2-2 to both finish on four points, but with the world champions going through to the last four on goal difference.
