Brazil will play Germany in the World Cup Final after a moment of magic by Ronaldo saw off a spirited Turkey today.

The South American side, who have never previously faced Germany in the World Cup, dominated the semi-final in Saitama throughout.

Today's victory ensured a hat-trick of finals for the Samba boys who were beaten by holders France in 1998 and won the trophy in a penalty shoot-out against Italy in 1994 Ronaldo, who was clearly struggling with a thigh injury, eventually made the breakthrough just after half-time with a goal contrived virtually out of thin air.

Having lumbered through the first 48 minutes as if in a trance, the centre-forward suddenly burst into life as if he had received an electric shock.

Cutting inside one defender with a sudden spurt, he held off the attentions of two others before toe-poking a shot with such accuracy that although Rustu got fingertips to the ball, he could not prevent it sneaking inside the post.

He went on to set up two further chances which were spurned by his team-mates before limping off with 23 minutes left.

Brazil, who defeated Turkey 2-1 in a fractious opening group game between the two sides, showed for the second game running that they do possess a defence.

Ronaldo, the competition's leading scorer with six goals, now has the chance to redeem the lowest point of his career in France when injury blighted his performance in the final.