Brazil were unable to break there 29 year wait for a win in Montevideo as they came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in a hard World Cup qualifier.
Diego Forlan put Uruguay ahead in the early in the second half with his fifth goal of the qualifiers before midfielder Emerson grabbed an equaliser for the world champions in the 68th minute.
Ronaldo’s run of bad form appeared to continue, struggling to keep up in a match played at a full pace in front of a 60,000 crowd at the Centenario stadium.
In the first half it is was Brazil’s goalkeeper Dida who excelled by keeping the scores level two outstanding saves as Uruguay enjoyed the better start.
Roberto Carlos had two attempts from his trademark free kicks before half-time. The first was parried by goalkeeper Sebastian Viera but nobody was on hand for the rebound and the second hit the defensive wall and went over.
Uruguay opened the scoring four minutes into the second half. This time, Dida was at fault as he failed to hold a Ruben Olivera’s low 25-metre shot and Forlan, who scored twice when the teams drew 3-3 in Brazil in 2003, calmly scored from the rebound.
Brazil weathered the storm and equalised in the 68th minute.
Lucio headed on a corner, Luisao’s shot was saved by Viera and Emerson, possibly in an offside position, bundled the ball in from close range.
The goal gave Brazil new momentum and they looked more like grabbing a winner.
After Brazil’s goal it was Ronaldinho who came closest to scoring a winner with a dipping free kick tipped over the bar, eight minutes from time.
After the game captain Cafu praised his team’s resolve to recover from the 1-0 deficit.
“We showed experience and calmness to recover after the goal” the AC Milan winger said.
“The important thing here is qualifying for the World Cup and we added one more point. We’re very close now.”
While Parreira insisted; “It’s a point to celebrate.” “The game was even, we could have won the match. We played most of the second half in their half”.
The result means Brazil stay second in the 10-nation World Cup qualifying group with 24 points from 13 games, although they have now dropped four points behind leaders Argentina.
URUGUAY
Viera; Lugano, Montero e López; Diogo (De Los Santos), Garcia, Oliveira (Chevantón), Regueiro (Delgado)Rodríguez; Forlán & Zalayeta
Coach: Jorge Fossati
BRAZIL
Dida; Cafu, Lúcio, Luisão e Roberto Carlos; Emerson, Zé Roberto (Renato), Ronaldinho Gaúcho, Kaká; Ricardo Oliveira (Robinho) & Ronaldo
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira
Goals: Forlán 48th Min (URU) & Emmerson 68th Min (BRA)
Location: Estádio Centenário, Montevidéo
Referee: Héctor Baldassi (ARG)
Bookings: Cafu (BRA) & Garcia (URU)
