Argentina take control as Brazil are held

Nov 16, 2003 - Argentina went to the top of the South American 2006 World Cup qualifying competition when they defeated Bolivia 3-0 while defending world champions Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Peru.

Both of the continental giants have seven points from their three games but Argentina have the advantage over their bitter rivals on goal difference.

Argentina's win in Buenos Aires came through goals from Andres D'Alessandro, who plays club football in Germany for Vfl Wolfsburg, in the 56th minute with Chelsea's 16.5 million pound signing from Lazio Hernan Crespo and Pablo Aimar completing the rout.

In Lima, Newcastle United's Nolberto Solano headed a spectacular second half equaliser after Rivaldo had given Brazil the lead with a first half penalty.

Rivaldo, out of favour at AC Milan and desperately trying to impress prospective new clubs, converted the 20th minute spotkick after he had been fouled by Marko Ciurlizza.

But Peru, watched by 80,000 people, deservedly levelled when, in the 58th minute, Guillermo Salas's cross was met by the unmarked Solano whose flying header found the top corner of the Dida's goal.

Elsewhere, Paraguay saw off Ecuador 2-1. Roque Santacruz put Paraguay into the lead on the half hour with Ecuador's Edison Mendez levelling in the 59th minute before Jose Cardozo got the winner with quarter of an hour to go.

Uruguay received a boost ahead of their midweek clash with Brazil with a 2-1 win over Chile.

Uruguay came from behind after a strong first half performance by the visitors allowed Rodrigo Melendez to score for Chile after 21 minutes.

Nine minutes later Javier Chevanton grabbed the equaliser with a freekick from outside the penalty area.

But the hosts went ahead four minutes into the second half when Adrian Romero scored to the delight of the 60,000 crowd.

Chile coach Juvenal Olmos blasted his side for not wrapping up the tie when they were on fire in the first half.

"We created the best chances in the first half, I remember at least four. We could have closed the match down but lacked finesse when it came to finishing."

But he was confident they could turn the page when they host Paraguay in Santiago on Tuesday.

"In these qualifiers the trick is to get the points from the home games, we're hoping to turn the page quickly," said Olmos of Chile's first loss in three games which leaves them on four points.

Venezuela won their first match of the qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Colombian city of Barranquilla. Juan Arango was on target in the ninth minute.

Source:: WorldSoccerNews.com

Videos	New Posters	CALENDARS	Books	Magazines	Games