Joel Santana is focused on guiding South Africa to the Confederations Cup final despite the hype about his battle with his countrymen.

The Bafana Bafana boss is highly regarded in his homeland and is one of only a handful of coaches to have won the league title with the four clubs - Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama.

However, he has played down the fuss, calling for full support for the host nation ahead of the clash with the defending champions in Johannesburg in tomorrow's second semi-final.

"I am 100% focused on Bafana Bafana," he said. "My work is in Africa. I respect the opponents, but I don't really care about them because I am now with Bafana Bafana.

"Why would I change my heart after spending 45 days in camp with the players - the likes of Teko Modise, (Siphiwe) Tshabalala, Kagisho (Dikgacoi) and others?"

Santana's team have defied many critics by reaching the last four, but will need to improve drastically against the South Americans.

They finished second in Group A behind Spain, who beat them 2-0 in the final game, but their other results included a goalless draw against Iraq in the tournament opener and a 2-0 triumph over New Zealand in the second game.

The coach continued: "We deserve to be in the semi-finals, we got four points. We outplayed New Zealand, we beat them 2-0, but could have scored six while Iraq were totally negative.

"I am happy to be in the semi-finals and am now looking forward to a major match of a big FIFA event.

"We hope that everyone in South Africa will get behind us for this historic moment."

The home side will be missing one key player in midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, who started all their games but has been suspended after picking up a second yellow card in their final group game.

Brazil will also be without one of their leading figures in defender Juan - the Roma centre-back has a muscle injury that has also ruled him out for the rest of the competition.

Unlike the hosts, the Selecao have been impressive right through the tournament. After a shaky 4-3 win over Egypt in their opening game, they swept aside United States 3-0 and then crushed world champions Italy by the same scoreline to top Group B.

Their coach Dunga, though, knows exactly what his side will be up against when they run out at Ellis Park Stadium.

"South Africa are an emerging team, but we know they will give us a difficult test," he said. "They're strong, quick and they will have the crowd behind them.

"But we'll be well prepared. Brazil have a very strong squad, which helps in a tournament like this. Every player in the squad is a first-teamer."

As for his battle from the bench with fellow Brazilian Santana, Dunga added: "Joel Santana is one of the greatest and most competent coaches to come out of Brazil, but luckily I am not going to play against Santana.

"We are playing the South African team. They are playing well at home, they are physical and strong, and they will be a difficult opponent."