Neymar continues to show just why Barcelona paid all that money for him.
The Brazil forward was instrumental yet again for the hosts, playing a crucial role in both the goals to help his side to a 2-1 victory over Uruguay in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup.
Fred opened the scoring for Brazil in Belo Horizonte, only for Edinson Cavani, so off color in this tournament, to equalize early in the first half.
However, just when it looked like the game was heading into extra time, with the possibility of a nervy penalty shootout then looming large, Paulinho headed home a Neymar corner to send Brazil, who were far from impressive over the 90 minutes, into the finals, where they await the winner between Spain and Italy.
"The Brazilians play an attacking game and they always try to overpower opposing sides," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said. "You could see that against Italy especially.
"They didn't let the Italians get out of their own half and they pushed a lot of people up, including the two full-backs, who were even further forward than the midfielders.
"I don't think today (Wednesday) was a case of Brazil not wanting to do that. It was more that they weren't able to because we were determined to close them down up front.
"You can see that Brazil are taking shape. They came through a very stiff test today, but they'll have more tough games in the future because other teams will get to know them better."
Uruguay had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring and put the pressure on Brazil, when referee Enrique Osses pointed to the penalty spot following a tussle between David Luiz and Diego Lugano.
Diego Forlan, who scored during his 100th cap against Nigeria earlier in the group stage, stepped up to take the spotkick, which Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar did brilliantly well to keep put, diving to his left.
"Obviously the pressure was on, and if you're going to handle the pressure, you need to keep your nerves under control," Cesar told FIFA's official website.
"In the years I've been playing for the national team there have been times when we've won like that, with a bit of drama thrown in and when we've not necessarily played nice football.
"And if there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that it can be a good thing sometimes. It does you good and it definitely helps you mature."
Brazil took advantage of the missed penalty with Fred scoring three minutes from halftime. Neymar controlled a long ball brilliantly well before forcing Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera into a save. Fred was on hand to snap up the rebound to make it 1-0.
The lead lasted only three minutes into the second half, however, as Cavani made full use of some poor Brazil defending to find the target.
However, Brazil would have the final say as Paulinho rose highest four minutes from time to ensure their place in the summit clash on Sunday.
"It was tough, a typical semifinal and the first one for this team," Neymar said. "We suffered, but you also find out a lot of things when you suffer.
"We'll be going into the final feeling even more confident now."
