Confederations Cup - France 2 Brazil 1

France proved too good again for Brazil and their 2-1 win in Suwon now sees the World Cup holders decamp to Yokohama to meet hosts Japan in the Confederations Cup final.

The French had a great start when Robert Pires scored in only the 7th minute.

Pires had forced a corner with a rasping volley that was saved by Dida after a defensive header failed to get distance and the Arsenal midfielder patrolled the edge of the penalty area at the corner kick.

Youri Djorkaeff swung his kick to the back post where Sylvain Wiltord headed down for Pires to run in and volley the first goal to help France dominate the start of the match.

Brazil's only hope came from France goalkeeper Ulrich Rame's poor catching at corner kicks and his failure to punch the ball properly away but a Nicolas Anelka run almost extended the French lead with a shot on the run which went into the side netting.

Brazil were put back into the match with a direct free kick from Ramon that swerved into the net.

Marcel Desailly produced a glancing header in the 54th minute from a left wing free kick by Djorkaeff to restore the French lead and Brazil then controlled much of the passing with France still very potent on the break.

Anelka smashed a chance on the run over the bar in the 66th minute and then passed to Sylvain Wiltord in the clear eleven minutes later but he scopped his shot over the bar.

Anelka managed to turn his marker inside and out on an 83rd minute run but again sent his shot high over the bar.

Brazilian substitute Robert sent a deflected shot just past the post in the 85th minute but France never looked like losing their lead.