2002 World Cup - Brazil 1 Uruguay 1

Brazil could slip five points behind Argentina in 2002 World Cup qualifying after an 85th minute penalty from Rivaldo was needed to save a 1-1 draw against Uruguay at the Maracana in Rio.

While the Argentines - group leaders of CONMEBOL after three wins from three matches - face a tough trip to Coombia tonight, Brazil were unimpressive and booed off the field again. Urugay also now move 2 points clear of the four times world champions and into first place in the table.

Substitute Guilherme was fould in the penalty area with Brazil only five minutes away from its first ever home defeat in World Cup qualification matches.

Rivaldo was able to beat Uruguay goalkeeper Fabian Carini from the penalty spot by placing the ball wide but Carini spent most of the second half defying Brazilian attacks after the home team got some form going after the break.

It was fifty years almost to the day since Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1 in the Maracana to win the World Cup in a famous victory but Daniel Passarella's team quickly went about reviving those painful memories for Brazilians and scored a 6th minute goal that came close to winning the match.

Veteran defender Aldair sent a back pass straight to Silva who knocked a shot wide of Dida to send murmurs of discontent through the ground that grew throughout a messy first half display from Luxemburgo's men. Ugly tackles and violence off the bal threatened to send the match spinning out of control but Brazil kept their nerve for Luxemburgo to take off Ronaldinho and Savio for Alex and Guilherme but Alex almost scored an equaliser in the 50th minute but for a brave save at his feet by Carini.

Brazil dominated the second half and claimed a handball after a clearance off the line in the 55th minute. Rivaldo, Vampeta and Emerson all had good shots turned away by Carini who arguably saved his side from defeat but the Brazil fans are not happy with such poor displays from their team who struggle to put two good halves together at the moment.