Brazil defeated by Bolivia

October 12, 2009

Brazil, already qualified for the World Cup, had no answer to a lively Bolivia playing at high altitude here in the Andes on Sunday.

The Brazilians were 1-0 down after just 10 minutes when Edgar Olivares netted.

Werder Bremen’s Marcelo Martins doubled the deficit on the half-hour and although Nilmar pulled one back for the visitors after 70 minutes the result never looked in doubt.

Coach Dunga blamed the 3,600-metre location of La Paz — the world’s highest capital.

“Playing up here is not easy without acclimatisation,” the Brazilian said after watching his side’s run of 11 straight victories and 19 games undefeated come to an end.

Bolivia have become adept at exploiting the altitude and downed Argentina 6-1 here in April, but they lie one from bottom of the South America zone group with just 15 points.

Brazil top the group with 33 points and play at home against Venezuela in their final qualifying tie on Wednesday.

Bolivia are away at bottom team Peru.

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