Ronaldinho converted two first-half
penalties as Brazil beat Paraguay 4-1 on Sunday to close in on a place
at the 2006 World Cup.
Ze Roberto and 21-year-old Santos forward Robinho added two more goals
in the second half as Brazil ended a three-match winless run against
their smaller neighbours. Bayern Munich's Roque Santa Cruz headed
Paraguay's consolation.
Defender Lucio spoiled the day for the world champions when he was sent
off for a second bookable offence in the 79th minute.
Brazil, second in the 10-nation South American World Cup qualifying
group with 27 points from 14 games, moved within one point of leaders
Argentina, whom they meet in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
Paraguay stayed fourth with 19 points and their defeat was good news for
Colombia, Uruguay and Chile, who are all two points behind them.
The top four teams go straight to the Germany finals next year and the
fifth play off over two legs against the Oceania regions winners for
another place. Ecuador, who upset Argentina 2-0 on Saturday, are in
third place.
TWO PENALTIES
The game kicked off five minutes late because of an overlong fireworks
display and Brazil, without suspended captain Cafu and worn-out Real
Madrid striker Ronaldo, quickly took the initiative.
Paraguay goalkeeper Justo Villar twice dived at the feet of Adriano as
the Inter Milan forward broke through and made an excellent save in the
15th minute to turn away Kaka's low drive after a quick exchange of
passes by the Brazil attack.
Kaka was also foiled by a timely tackle from Julio Mansur when he was in
an excellent shooting position.
Paraguay threatened with some of their trademark aerial attacks but
failed to properly test goalkeeper Dida.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Roberto Carlos's cross
struck the outstretched arm of Carlos Bonet, Uruguayan referee Martin
Vazquez pointed to the spot and Ronaldinho sent the penalty low to
Villar's right.
Nine minutes later, Robinho fell over Paulo da Silva's outstretched leg
and, although television replays suggested no contact was made, Brazil
were awarded another penalty and Ronaldinho blasted the ball high into
the top left hand corner.
Ze Roberto, who hit the crossbar after a neat exchange with Kaka in the
48th minute, added the third in the 71st with a curling 25-metre shot.
In between, Paraguay's Carlos Paredes shaved the foot of the post with a
shot on the turn and the visitors had a penalty turned down when Roque
Junior appeared to hold down an opponent.
They were rewarded in the 73rd minute when Santa Cruz rose at the far
post to head in Denis Caniza's cross from the right.
Despite Lucio's dismissal, Brazil restored their three-goal lead when
Robinho ran on to Ze Roberto's pass in the 83rd minute and calmly
slotted the ball past Villar. |