
Bolivia snaps Brazil's streak, qualifies for WCup |
LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) -- Bolivia ended Brazil's 11-game winning streak on Sunday with a 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory at high altitude. Edgar Olivares headed home a corner in the 10th minute and Marcelo Martins doubled the hosts' advantage at the Hernando Siles Stadium in the 30th by curling a free kick over the defensive wall beyond flat-footed goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Brazil had its chances before finally getting on the scoreboard in the 70th minute when Maicon intercepted a sloppy Bolivia set play deep in Brazilian territory to spark a fast break that Nilmar capped with a headed goal. Brazil was without Kaka and Luis Fabiano as coach Dunga fielded a team of mostly reserves having already qualified for next year's finals in South Africa. Brazil, which hasn't won at La Paz since 1997, was level with Paraguay atop South American qualifying with 33 points with one match remaining, against Venezuela on Wednesday. Bolivia's last win - a 6-1 defeat of Argentina in April - also came at 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), but Bolivia is already out of contention for the 2010 tournament as it sits second-bottom with 15 points. It wraps up qualifying against last-place Peru. The match could be the last at La Paz as FIFA re-examines whether to bar matches above 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) without adequate time preparation. Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ![]() | ![]()
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