Brazil 0-0 Bolivia in 2010 World Cup qualifier
Anyone hoping to see a true Brazilian revival, don’t get your hopes up just yet, as on wednesday, Brazil were held to a goalless draw at home by 10-man Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier played in front of a half-empty stadium.
A hostile crowd began chanted “Bolivia, Bolivia” and “Goodbye Dunga.” This results will put more pressure on beleaguered coach Dunga, who was given a brief respite when his team beat Chile 3-0 away on Sunday.
The poor attendance at the 40,000 capacity Joao Havelange stadium, one of the most modern in the country, appeared to be the result of a combination of high ticket prices and lack of interest in Dunga’s team.
Despite playing with Ronaldinho, Luis Fabiano and Robinho on attack, Brazil – which was coming off a 3-0 win over Chile in Santiago on Sunday – had a hard time creating significant scoring opportunities and rarely threatened.
Bolivia relied solely on counterattacks and surprisingly had a couple of good chances. Miguel Hoyos nearly scored in the 21st minute off a rebound from Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar, but his shot from close range missed wide.
Brazil failed to improve even after Bolivia defender Ignacio Garcia was ejected for a foul on Robinho in the 57th minute. The Bolivians heavily complained, as Garcia was red-carded by Ecuador referee Alfredo Intriago without first being warned with a yellow.
Julio Baptista had one of the few chances for Brazil with a long-range shot that was saved by goalkeeper Carlos Arias in the 71st minute. Baptista, who came off the bench in the second half to replace Lucas, also came close with an injury-time header.
The result left Brazil with 13 points from eight games in the 10-team South American group, four behind leaders Paraguay.
Bolivia, who shipped 16 goals in losing their previous four away games, celebrated their point despite staying bottom with five.
In the next round, in October, Brazil will play at Venezuela and host Colombia. Bolivia will host Peru and Uruguay.
Lineups:
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Luisao, Juan, Lucas (Julio Baptista, 61), Josue, Diego (Elano, 77), Ronaldinho (Nilmar, 76), Robinho, Luis Fabiano.
Bolivia: Carlos Arias, Miguel Hoyos, Ronald Raldes, Ronald Rivero, Ignacio Garcia, Jaime Robles, Walter Flores, Jaime Moreno (Luis Gutierrez, 57), Ronald Garcia, Joselito Vaca (Cabrera, 90), Marcelo Martins Moreno (Pablo Escobar, 79).