With a tight defense and a second-half goal, Peru drew five-time
world champion Brazil 1-1 in South American qualifying for the 2010 World Cup on
Sunday.
AC Milan striker Kaka opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a clear shot
past Peru goalkeeper Diego Penny.
Juan Manuel Vargas, who plays for Italy's Catania, equalized in the 70th, to the
roar of 30,000 fans at Lima's Monumental Stadium.
It's the third draw in the last four qualifiers between Brazil and Peru. Brazil
hasn't won in Peru since 2000.
Brazil was sluggish and missed several chances to score, despite the return of
Ronaldinho, who had had an ankle injury.
Peru, which drew Paraguay 0-0 and was shut out by Chile in its first two
qualifying matches last month, hasn't reached a World Cup since 1982.
Brazil, after drawing Colombia and beating Ecuador, was third in the standings
on goal difference. Brazil and Colombia had five points apiece, four behind
leader Argentina.
On Wednesday, Brazil next faces Uruguay in Sao Paulo, while Peru plays Ecuador
in Quito.
Lineups:
Peru: Diego Penny, Guillermo Salas, Santiago Acasiete, Alberto Rodriguez, Juan
Manuel Vargas, Carlos Lobaton (Paolo de la Haza, 65), Juan Jayo (Andres Mendoza,
61), Nolberto Solano, Claudio Pizarro, Jefferson Farfan, Paolo Guerrero (Roberto
Palacios, 45).
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Gilberto, Mineiro, Gilberto Silva,
Kaka, Ronaldinho, Vagner Love (Luis Fabiano, 68), Robinho (Elano, 71).
Referee: Carlos Torres, Paraguay. |