Bolivia, who are currently propping up the South America Qualifying Zone table, have shocked the World Cup champions Brazil by managing a spirited 1-1 draw against a Brazilian side who, with qualification assured for the World Cup finals, made nine changes to their normal squad for their match against Bolivia.

The match was just a matter of pride for the Bolivians, as they are already eliminated, and in last place of the 10-team South American group zone.

With Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira’s wholesale changes to the squad made, and with regular 1st teamers Robinho of Real Madrid, and Inter Milan’s Adriano being the only familiar faces in the team, the home side knew that this might be the best ever opportunity for them to beat Brazil.

Bolivia’s ‘La Máquina Verde’ started the game strongly, with Paz and Castillo giving the Bolivians some belief right from the start. it looked like the away side might not have it all their own way., but the Brazilian’s managed to find a way through, totally going against the run of play.

A stunning free-kick from Brazil’s Juninho in the 25th minute gave the visitor’s the lead, with a looping free-kick that left the Bolivian No.1 Arias rooted to the spot.

Minutes later a flurry of corners from the home side saw the Brazilian defence looking uneasy, but the Bolivian’s failed to capitalize on any of them.

Julio Cesar saved a stunning header from Miguel Hoyos, which would have been a certain goal, had it not been for the tracking back of the Brazilian striker Adriano, and seconds later Cesar parried away a powerful Julio Baldivieso shot to yet again deny the home side.

The second half saw the Bolivians come out of the traps at high speed, with some incisive passing, which carved the often wayward Brazilian defence apart. The awful lack of communication between Brazilian defenders Luisão and Roque Junior in the heart of the Canarinha defence was wholly evident, and the home side were more than eager to capitalise.

Just four minutes into the second half, the home side made it count when striker Joaquin Botero perfectly headed down the ball to Jose Alfredo Castillo, who scored with a wonderful strike to make it 1-1 against the World Champions.

Bolivia were defending resolutely, and not holding back in attack, with the referee missing some blatant tackles, and being lenient with his bookings to say the least.

Bolivian midfielder Gonzalo Galindo was allowed to stay on the pitch after he kicked Cicinho from behind after the ball had gone out of play. Carmelo Angulo then cynically scythed down Brazil’s Renato, and then Galindo yet again avoided the referee’s wrath when he pushed over Robinho, shouted at the referee and still managed to escape a booking.

Bolivia continued peppering the Brazil goal with long-range shots while the World Champions, with defence in confusion, tried to slow the game down.

Amazingly, the Bolivians weren’t happy with a draw, and in the last 15 minutes of the match, brought on another striker to try and go on to win the match, but try as they might, the Brazilian defence, who had suddenly found their feet, managed to stifle each attack to keep the scores level.

The tie left Brazil with 31 points, the same as group leaders Argentina, who beat Peru 2-0 on Sunday. Bolivia currently has 14 points. With Brazil’s frailties being exposed for the first time, Argentina are now looking the more complete squad in South America, and a force to be reckoned with in the forthcoming World Cup finals.

Bolivia travel to Peru for their final match in the group, but as both teams have no chance of qualification, it will be another match to be played for pride.

In terms of squad training methods, this match will be one video cassette that every National Coach will be watching over-and-over, as it is the first time that the defensive weaknesses of the mighty World Champions has ever been so evident.

Squad list;

BOLIVIA: Arias, Vaca, Raldes, Jáuregui, Hoyos (Castillo), Cristaldo, Angulo, Galindo, Baldivieso; Gutiérrez (Pachi), Botero (Paz).
Coach: Ovidio Messa

BRAZIL: Júlio César, Cicinho, Luisão, Roque Júnior and Gilberto (Gustavo Nery), Gilberto Silva, Renato (Alex), Juninho Pernambucano (Júlio Baptista), Ricardinho, Robinho, Adriano.
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira.

Referee: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay)