Lima, Nov 17: Nolberto Solano headed a second half equaliser as Peru held world champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday (November 16). Peru gave the world champions an uncomfortable opening, forcing half a dozen corners, until the 21st minute when Kaka won the ball off Jorge Soto and slipped a pass to Rivaldo who was upended by John Galliquio and referee Oscar Ruiz awarded a penalty. Rivaldo took the spot kick himself and placed his shot to Oscar Ibanez's right. Brazil created a flurry of chances before halftime as they capitalised on sloppy midfield play by their opponents but Peru came close to equalising when Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro turned in the area and smacked a shot just over the bar. Rivaldo was more accurate but crashed his spectacular dipping volley against the crossbar from a cross by Cafu as Brazil had chances to wrap up the game as they ran Peru ragged before halftime. But the home team, coached by Brazilian Paulo Autuori, fought their way back into the game after the break. Brazil had difficulty at the back as Peru lofted in high crosses for Pizarro and Andres Mendoza, goalkeeper Dida smothering a close range header from Pizarro.

Then Peru equalised in the 59th minute when Solano, who has been left on the bench at his English club Newcastle United in recent weeks, nipped in front of the Brazil defence to score at the near post from a Guillermo Salas cross.


The referee's assistant denied Ronaldo what looked like a legitimate goal when he waved for offside, but TV replays showed the striker was level with the last defender before he cracked a shot against the post and bundled the rebound into the net.


The draw put Brazil second in the South American World Cup qualifying group with seven points from three games, behind leaders Argentina on goal difference. Peru are fifth with four points.


Teams: Peru: 1-Oscar Ibanez; 4-Jorge Soto, 3-Miguel Rebosio, 22-John Galliquio, 5-Martin Hidalgo; 7-Nolberto Solano, 8-Juan Jayo, 19-Marko Ciurlizza, 10-Roberto Palacios; 16-Andres Mendoza, 14-Claudio Pizarro


Brazil: 1-Dida; 2-Cafu, 3-Lucio, 4-Roque Junior, 6-Junior; 5-Gilberto Silva, 8-Emerson, 11-Ze Roberto, 7-Kaka; 10-Rivaldo, 9-Ronaldo Referee - Oscar Ruiz (Colombia)


Played Saturday Paraguay 2 Ecuador 1 Colombia 0 Venezuela 1 Uruguay 2 Chile 0 Argentina 3 Bolivia 0


Standings P W D L F A Pts 1. Argentina 3 2 1 0 8 2 7 2. Brazil 3 2 1 0 4 2 7 3. Uruguay 3 2 0 1 8 5 6 4. Paraguay 3 2 0 1 7 6 6 5. Peru 3 1 1 1 6 4 4 6. Chile 3 1 1 1 5 5 4 7. Ecuador 3 1 0 2 3 3 3 8. Bolivia 3 1 0 2 4 8 3 9. Venezuela 3 1 0 2 1 5 3 10. Colombia 3 0 0 3 1 7 0


Top four teams qualify directly for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. The fifth team plays off for another place.


Bureau Report