Lacklustre Brazil held by Venezuela
Reuters - Thursday 15 October 2009, 01:06
CAMPO GRANDE - Brazil failed to
beat Venezuela in a competitive international for the first
time on Wednesday when they were held 0-0 at home in their
final World Cup qualifying match.
Brazil, who had qualified for South Africa with three
matches to spare, twice hit the bar and played the last half
hour with 10 men after defender Miranda was sent off for
elbowing Giancarlo Maldonado.
It was the 19th competitive match between the two, Brazil
having won all the others. However, Venezuela won 2-0 last year
on the only occasion the two sides met in a friendly.
Dunga's team completed their 18-match campaign in the South
American group with 34 points but could be pipped for top spot
by Paraguay, who host Colombia later on Wednesday.
Brazil's best performances have been away from home where
they have been able to capitalise on their devastating
counter-attack, but they have found life more difficult at home
when faced with teams who defend en masse.
Wednesday's match was their fourth home goalless draw of
the campaign following stalemates against Argentina, Bolivia
and Colombia.
Venezuela, who needed to win to have any chance of
qualifying for their first World Cup, finished with 22 points
from 18 games.
Midfielder Gilberto Silva hit the Venezuela crossbar with a
header early in the second half after he outjumped the defence
at a corner. Kaka was also foiled by the woodwork in stoppage
time after a break down the left.