Brazil scrapes through to Confederations Cup final

 

(CNN) -- Brazil moved into the final of the Confederations Cup following a tense and dramatic 2-1 victory over Uruguay.

Following another day of protests in Belo Horizonte, where anti-government protesters clashed with police, the nation's football players gave its people some brief respite.

A late header from Paulinho was enough to push the samba stars over the line in a game where it was given a huge scare by its South American rival.

Diego Forlan squandered a glorious opportunity from the penalty spot in the first half before Fred fired Brazil ahead.

Edinson Cavani leveled after the break from close-range, but Paulinho's late effort sealed his country's place in the final against either Spain or Italy.

Contests between these two countries are always fiercely fought affairs with the Brazilians still scarred by their defeat in the 1950 World Cup final in Rio.