JOHANNESBURG: Barcelona's Dani Alves suffered the agony of missing out on the Champions League win over Manchester United due to suspension but he put that misfortune well and truly behind him by taking centre stage with a vengeance on Thursday.

As extra-time loomed in Brazil's Confederations Cup semifinal against South Africa coach Dunga let Alves loose on the hosts as an 82nd minute replacement for Andre Santos.

Sent on as a potential match winner he read his script to perfection by producing the freekick that shot Brazil into Sunday's final with the United States.