Daniel Alves didnt care where he was playing,he just knew he was going to do something good for Brazil. Alves came off the bench with eight minutes left in the Confederations Cup semi-final on Thursday,and with two minutes left swiped in a free kick to beat South Africa 1-0 at Ellis Park Stadium. I was behind the goal thinking about the Copa America, said Alves,recalling the 2007 final against Argentina when he scored the last goal for Brazil to win 3-0. I wanted to get in,I know sometimes I get lucky. Thursdays goal propelled Brazil into the final on Sunday,when they will face the United States with a chance to become the first team to win three Confederations Cups. Alves,a right-back,was sent in by Brazil coach Dunga to replace left back Andre Santos,in part for Alvess expertise in free kicks. It was one of the few opportunities we were going to have, Dunga said. The foul was right in front of the goal area,so it was perfect for us. With the way South Africa defended the entire match,things became a bit difficult for us, he said. We couldnt penetrate through the middle and couldn't change the ball from side to side like we normally do. Alves said he was not surprised when Dunga wanted him to replace Andre Santos instead of right-back Maicon. Im always ready to come in,regardless of where the coach wants me to play. I just wanted to go out there and do everything I could to help the team. Glad it worked out perfectly, the Barcelona defender said. Alves started for Brazil in the Confederations Cup opener against Egypt,but was rested against the United States and didnt regain his spot in the starting line-up. Maicon,coming off an injury,has been Dungas main choice since the coach took over the national team after the 2006 World Cup. Another chance Alves hopes his latest goal will give him another chance in the final,even if at left-back again. Ive played in that position before, he said. Its harder for me,but Ill play anywhere Dunga wants me to play. He celebrated the goal by pulling up his jersey and showing tattoos with the names of his 3-year-old son Daniel Filho and daughter Vitoria,who is about to turn 2. It earned him a yellow card,but he said it was worth it. It was a gift I had been waiting to give them for a long time, he said. It was a moment of happiness,the card doesnt matter.
