Brazil euphoric as Turkish dreams ends

Brazilians are hoping for a fifth World Cup win

By Tom Gibb BBC correspondent in Sao Paolo

Brazil erupted in celebration as a 49th-minute goal from Ronaldo secured the South Americans a place in the World Cup final.

They won the game, but not until they made fans here suffer first.

Nerves gave way to delight

Through the whole of the first half, people were on the edge of their seats as the game ebbed and flowed but remained goalless.

At half time, there were worried faces here, watching the worried face of the Brazilian coach on a giant television screen.

All that ended when Ronaldo scored near the start of the second half.

A huge shout went up from the crowd, with people hooting horns, blowing whistles and settling off firecrackers in the street outside.

So far, he's the undisputed hero of the World Cup for Brazil.

Before the game, the papers were filled with pictures of his new half-moon haircut, all shaven except for a crescent patch up at the front, designed, the commentators said, to rival that of his Turkish opponents.

Streets deserted

The whole of Sao Paolo stopped for the game, which kicked off at 0830 local time.

Normally, this is the height of rush hour.

Streets were deserted as people crammed into bars and cafes to watch.

Even the stock exchange remained closed.

Most Brazilian fans are now confident that they can bring back the World Cup to Brazil for a fifth time when they face Germany in the final at the weekend.