BUENOS AIRES June 5: Brazil moved into second in the South American zone World Cup 2002 qualify ing group on Sunday with a narrow 1-0 win over Peru despite their ever temperamental striker The Animal' Edmundo getting his marching orders in the 88th minute.
Brazil trail bitter rivals Argentina by two points with three matches played, reports AFP.
Argentina had maintained their 100 percent record on Sunday with an unimpressive 1-0 victory over 10-nian Bolivia while in Sunday's other match Colombia moved into fifth place when they trounced tailend charlies Venezuela 3-0
Saturday's victories for Paraguay and Uruguay, over Ecuador and Chile respectively, kept them in the two remaining automatic qualifying spots in third and fourth.
Brazilian central defender Antonio Carlos was their hero scoring in the 35th minute to grab three vital points in Lima, but it was more his defensive work alongside veteran partner Aidair that caught coach Wander ley Luxeinburgo's eye.
I'm satisfied with the result and we probably deserved It." Luxemburg© said.
Nevertheless. it was the superb defensive rock of /Xntunio Carlos and Aidair that was the base of our victory." lie added.
However, Edmundo marked his return to the national colours with a traditional red card in the 88th minute although Luxemburg© felt It was an unfair decision.
"I won't be taking any disciplinary action as he didn't do anything." the Brazilian coach said of the striker nicknamed 'The Animal'.
A solitary goal from Argentina’s Celta Vigo star Gustavo Lopez after 84 minutes following the 62nd minute sending off of defender Marcelo Caballo for a second bookable offence was enough to ensure that the "Alblceleste" (Sky Blue and Whites) prevailed against Bolivia.
That means Marcelo Bielsa’s side have three wins in three matches so far while Bolivia only have a point to show for their efforts.
That is in spite of Bolivia being given the right to retain the advantage of playing their home games at altitude at the Stadio Hernan Siles, known in Bolivia as El Nido del Condor (the Condor's Nest) in La Paz.
At nearly 12,000 feet the arena is the highest in international football in the world's highest capital city.
Lopez, who had replaced Inter Milan's Javier Zanetti 13 minutes previously, cracked a fearsome left-footed shot in off the post to send a 50.000 crowd at the Stadio Monumental into raptures.
Bolivia had obviously arrived here with a draw on the minds and their centre back pairing of Marco Sandy and Juan Manuel Pena and fullbacks Carballo and Ivan Castillo subdued Argentina's three-pronged star strike force of Gabriel Batistuta. Claudio Lopez and Ariel Ortega.
Batistuta, who has just joined Italy's AS Roma from Serie A rivals Fiorentina, was finding his work cut out.
His only real attempt on goal came from a freekick with his shot saved By Bolivia keeper Jose Fernandez at the expense of a corner.
Argentina's play was prompted by Lazio midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron who enjoys the central role he is given by Blelsa - at club level he plays on the flank.
Veron's best moment came when he linked up with teammate for club and country Diego Simeone to find Batistuta but "Bati-gol" failed to make the most of the opportunity.
Blelsa was looking a worried man and brought on Gustavo Lopez and Pablo Aimar.
Bolivia coach Carlos Aragones reacted to Carballo's sending off by sacrificing striker Roger Suarez and introducing Ronald Garcia and later Gonzalo Galindo to reinforce his defence. But it was Lopez who came up with the opening and provided Argentina with the result their workrate and persistence deserved.
Bolivia's only real threatening moment came when veteran striker Marco Etcheverry tested goalkeeper Roberto Bonano from long range but the Argentine was equal to the task.
All 10 South American teams play each other home and away with the top four qualifying automatically for World Cup 2002. to be co-hosted by Japan and South Korea - the fifth take part in a playoff with the winners of the Oceania group.