Fun in the sun is set to end for outclassed hosts.

Byline: Steve Davies

A KINDLY draw and results elsewhere have ensured the hosts made it to the semi-finals but surely South Africa's fun ends today.

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, is the venue as Bafana Bafana tackle Confederations Cup holders Brazil and barring something remarkable, Dunga's men look absolute certs.

Most of the money is on the 3-10 five-time world champs but 19-20 from Victor Chandler with the Brazilians giving a goal-anda-half start on the Asian handicap has to be a more considered alternative.

Brazil have been three goals better than the United States and, more impressively, Italy, and while South Africa are sure to put up a battling effort and attempt to be as stubborn as possible with an emphasis on defence, the chasm between the two sides looks huge.

Punters have seen enough cup shocks down the years to be wary, especially in a competition like the Confederations Cup which clearly lacks the kudos of a Copa America or a World Cup.

And the fact that Brazil were slowly out of the blocks against Egypt confirmed that travelling at the end of a long season may have taken its toll.

But they have come nicely to the boil since and anything like the displays they produced against the States or the Azzurri is going to be too hot for Joel Santana's side to handle.

The hosts have had only one test of any real note thus far and were found wanting against Spain.

There was no shame in the 2-0 defeat but they were out of their depth and it put their 2-0 win against a woeful New Zealand and 0-0 draw against a dour Iraq put into some sort of context.

Santana is long enough in the tooth to realise that caginess is the best ploy against his fellow countrymen.

Head out all guns blazing and they will be left exposed to the counter-attacking zeal of the likes of Maicon and Andre Santos, never mind the probing of Kaka and the threat in front of goal of Luis Fabiano and Robinho.

South Africa have pace at the back and an obvious outlet on the break in Bernard Parker but there's a lack of authority in midfield where Brazil's hugely experienced stars can dictate.

Brazil have outscored tonight's opponents 10-2 in the competition to date and are unlikely to let up now as they close in on a third Confederations Cup triumph.

Recommendation Brazil - 1.5 on Asian handicap 2pts 1.94 Victor Chandler Asian handicaps explained, page 98

CAPTION(S):

Brazil knocked out Italy with their 3-0 win over the Azzurri on Sunday