(CNN) -- Hosts Brazil claimed top spot in Group A at the troubled Confederations Cup with 4-2 win over Italy in Salvador Saturday. The match may have lacked the quality of previous classic encounters between the world football heavyweights, but burst into life in the second half. Dante had given Brazil the lead before the break, but it needed a double from Fred and a classic free kick from home talisman Neymar to see off a determined Italian challenge. Victory also meant Brazil will likely avoid world champions Spain in next week's semifinals. Spain currently top Group B ahead of the final round of matches Sunday and have been in commanding form, beating minnows Tahiti 10-0 in their latest match.
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Brazil beat Italy 4-2 in their final Group A Confederations Cup game
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Second half goals from Neymar and Fred (2) seal victory
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Mexico beat Japan 2-1 in other Group A match
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Mass protests in streets near stadium in Belo Horizonte
@placeholder have also impressed with comfortable wins over Mexico and Japan, but this has gone almost unnoticed because of the mass popular protests outside games and across the country.