There was no shortage of excitement on Monday as Group B of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 started with a bang. The four teams on view at the Free State Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein and Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane/Pretoria served up plenty of entertainment and goals in two exciting, closely contested matches.

The day began with a brave and skilful Egypt side posing serious problems to Brazil, despite trailing 3-1 at half-time. The Egyptians made light of that deficit to pull level shortly after the restart and it was not until Kaka stroked home an injury-time penalty kick that Dunga's men restored their advantage and made sure of the points.

There were similar problems for Italy in the evening game. Despite being reduced to ten men early on, opponents USA took the lead just before half-time, with the Italians only making their numerical advantage count in the final 30 minutes. Ironically it was US-born forward Giuseppe Rossi who made the difference, the Villarreal man coming off the bench to score a decisive brace.

Results Brazil 4-3 Egypt USA 1-3 Italy