JOHANNESBURG,  (Reuters) - Holders Brazil fought back  from 2-0 down with three second-half goals to beat the United  States 3-2 and win the Confederations Cup for the third time in  a superb final yesterday.

The U.S., who shocked Spain in the semis, looked set to  complete an even greater upset when goals by Clint Dempsey and  skipper Landon Donovan put them 2-0 ahead at halftime.

U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard produced several good saves  before striker Luis Fabiano took his tournament tally to five  when he scored immediately after the restart and headed the  equaliser in the 74th minute.

Brazil captain Lucio completed his side’s stunning recovery  when he rose superbly to power home an Elano corner six minutes  from time.

The match was a fitting climax to an outstanding tournament  which provided shocks, excellent football and passionate crowds,  auguring well for next year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

Brazil coach Dunga told a news conference he was delighted  by his team’s performance.

“Even after we went 2-0 down the team was still sure of  itself. We told them at halftime to play down the wings, keep  patient. We did that, we have been together for 29 days and we  were determined to win it.

“It is very difficult to overcome a 2-0 deficit, it is not  easy, but if you have committed players who never give up then  you have a chance and we came back in the second half. We showed  a high level of professionalism.”

Brazil had beaten the U.S. 3-0 in the group stage but faced  a far tougher challenge in the final.

“The feeling is a mix of great disappointment but also great  pride,” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said.

“There is no getting around it is a difficult loss having  had a two-goal lead. The moment that really hurt was conceding  the goal so early in the second half — that brought them right  back into the game. “