06/09/2004
Brazil silence their fiercest critics with Bolivia win

Brazil silenced their fiercest critics with their performance in Sunday's 3-1 win over Bolivia -- the Sao Paulo crowd.

The South American World Cup qualifying competition takes the world champions to a number of unfriendly venues including Asuncion, Montevideo, Buenos Aires and Santiago.

But none seems to be as intimidating as their own Morumbi stadium in the country's largest city.

The Morumbi crowd is so hostile that Brazil prefer to play most of their home qualifiers in the northeast, the far south or even the Amazonian city of Manaus.

Brazil effectively turned their backs on Sao Paulo after a World Cup qualifier at home to Colombia in November 2000.

Although Brazil won 1-0, their injury time winner came too late to save them from the wrath of the crowd, who were already hurling flags on to the pitch and jeering the team before halftime.

Rivaldo, the main target, was so upset he threatened to quit international football. He was persuaded to continue and was one of Brazil's most important players when they won the 2002 World Cup.

FRIENDLIER VENUES

Brazil played one more game there at home to Peru, drawing 1-1 and again being booed, before persuading the South American Football Confederation (CSF) to allow them to stage other home matches in friendlier venues.

Perhaps it was no coincidence that they chose arguably their easiest fixture of the 2006 qualifiers, against table-propping Bolivia, to make the return.

A first-minute goal by Ronaldo quickly got the crowd on their side and thwarted Bolivia's plans to pack their defence and hope the fans would turn against the hosts in traditional style.

Once Ronaldinho made it 2-0 after 13 minutes, Brazil produced some of their best football in the competition and not even the Morumbi crowd could complain.

Brazil top the South American qualifying group with 16 points from eight games and are still unbeaten.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.

Brazil usually play with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in attack and Kaka just behind, but the sudden emergence of Adriano has given Parreira plenty to think about.

Adriano was given his chance in the Copa America when the top players were rested and took full advantage finishing the competition as top scorer with seven goals.

Kaka was left out of Sunday's match because of a dispute with his club AC Milan and Adriano was given his first start alongside Ronaldo.

"They seeemed to develop a good understanding but we need to see them against a stronger team, who mark better," said Parreira.

"But they are two players who would worry any defence in the world."

07.09.2004 08:24 +0400
Reuters