Barcelona defender Daniel Alves spared Brazil's blushes as his late goal earned the five times world champions a 1-0 win over spirited South Africa last night to book their place in the Confederations Cup final.
This semi-final against the hosts was heading for extra time until Alves, in an inspired move by coach Dunga, replaced Andre Santos and broke the stalemate with a curling free-kick in the 88th minute.
Brazil face the United States in Sunday's final with South Africa heading to Rustenburg for the third place play-off with Spain.
South Africa were without suspended midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, his place taken by Siphiwe Tshabalala, while Brazil midfielder Luisao started for injured Juan.
The two teams made it into the last four in wildly contrasting ways - Brazil sauntering through as Group B leaders with maximum points, South Africa edging through on goal difference as Group A runners-up.
With President Jacob Zuma watching, about the only one of the 48,000 fans not blowing into a vuvuzela, South Africa made a promising start as they fought to make their first final since the 1996 African Nations Cup.
Against the run of play Itumelang Khune was forced into action to save a Ramires effort while shortly after his counterpart Julio Cesar was in full flight to cover a long range effort from speedy defender Siboniso Gaxa.
South Africa were giving as much as they got as Brazil tried to work the ball repeatedly down the sight flank using Inter back Maicon as the key link.
On 21 minutes they should have scored only for Tshabalala's header off a free-kick to go high.
As the half hour beckoned the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder unleashed a carefully constructed 30-metre free-kick with only Cesar's palm preventing the hosts taking the lead.
Down at the other end, Khune safely held onto Andre Santos's volley.
Kaka produced his first bit of magic as he darted through the South African defence but the Real Madrid forward's curving shot drifted wide of the far post.
Brazil were fortunate not to go into the break trailing as Steven Pienaar had Cesar beaten with his stinging 35-metre shot from the right but the status quo was upheld when the ball edged wide.
The holders were not at their brilliant best against a South African side that were scampering after every ball as if their lives depended on it.
On the hour, with Dunga looking on pensively, Teko Modise's close range shot deflected off Luisao before scraping the beaten Cesar's right post in a period of domination from Joel Santana's side.
With eight minutes left for the end of normal time and as extra time loomed Dunga introduced Alves into the fray and the Barcelona defender repaid the confidence when he beat the Bafana Bafana wall with a thundering free-kick two minutes from time.
Semi-finals
Spain vs US 0-2
Brazil vs South Africa 1-0
Third place play-off
Spain vs South Africa 15.00
Final
US vs Brazil, 20.30