BOGOTA. Jan 31 (Reuters/ Internet): The headline splashed in bold type across the front page of Bogota's El Espectador newspaper summed it up in a word on Monday — "Humiliation!".

"Shameful Goal Fest" added leading daily El Tiempo, referring to Colombia's historic 9-0 rout Sunday, when Brazil sent it crashing out the South American Olympic soccer qualifying tournament with a vengeance.

The Jury Is still out on exactly what happened, apart from a sterling performance by Brazil's reshuffled under-23 team as it handed Colombia its worst defeat in at least four decades. But many Colombians were calling for the head Monday of coach Javier Alvarez, who had become something of a national hero Just last week when Colombia trounced Chile 5-1 in the same qualifying tournament.

That match revived memories of the national team's 5-0 win over Argentina in September 1993. But as In 1993 — when Colombia went on to suffer a string of humiliating losses af- i ter a short-lived moment of glory — the Chile match apparently Injected Colombia's unlucky and erratic players Jth an overdose of overconfidence.

'There was a very impressive mental factor at play here. Alvarez told local radio from Londrina, Brazil, early Monday. alluding to the way hype and hubris was soon followed by a humiliating mauling.

Alvarez had himself bragged — after the win over Chile — that "Brazil must be very worried."

The coach, who is supposed to help Colombia win a ticket to the 2002 World Cup if he keeps his Job. said he has no intention of resigning in disgrace.

But he may be forced to do so, since Sunday's defeat was taken in this soccer-mad nation like something far worse than its seemingly intolerable levels of violence and its worst recession this century.

"Alvarez should resign right now. A 9-0 is in admissible." said Ivan Mejia, a popular sportscaster with Colomb'a's Caracol radio network.

"Alvarez isn't the main, it's been proven," added a commentator in the sports pages of El Tiempo.

The coach should be dismissed immediately so the countiy isn't subjected to another disgrace in the World Cup qualifiers." said Humberto Perez, one of many irate fans who called Caracol to demand Alvarez's unceremonious ouster.