Error sends Figueirense into Brazilian final

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 23 (Reuters) - Figueirense reached the Copa Brasil final for the first time on Wednesday thanks to a goalkeeping blunder from opponents Botafogo.

Botafogo were leading the semi-final, second-leg match 2-0 and the tie was heading for penalties when Figueirense midfielder Cleiton Xavier's innocuous shot slipped past a stunned Julio Cesar and into the net.

Botafogo went on to win 3-1 for a 3-3 aggregate draw, but the Florianopolis-based team qualified on away goals.

'It happens,' said Julio Cesar. 'I made a mistake and, unfortunately, it was a decisive game. I accept the blame.'

Botafogo wiped out their 2-0 first-leg deficit before half-time with goals by Ze Roberto and Andre Lima. They also had two goals disallowed for offside.

But they failed to find the third until an own goal by Vinicius in injury-time, by which time Figueirense had sneaked their away goal.

Fluminense joined Figueirense in the final by drawing 1-1 away to 10-man Brasiliense for a 5-3 aggregate win.

Allan Delon gave second division Brasiliense an early lead but the hosts had midfielder Carlos Alberto sent off for a second bookable offence before halftime.

Adriano Magrao equalised five minutes after the break as 'Flu' capitalised on their one-man advantage.