Peru held Brazil to a famous 1-1 draw in Lima, whilst a double strike from veteran striker Marcelo Salas earned Chile a 2-2 draw away to Uruguay.In a surprisingly open first half, Brazil just about edged out a spirited Peru, with Kaka giving them the lead five minutes before half time after Vagner Love had spurned an earlier chance.
The second half looked like it would follow a similar pattern, with Ronaldinho and Luis Fabiano both forcing good saves from Peru keeper Penny. However, as the half continued Peru started to put Brazil under more pressure in the defensive third. They got their reward after seventy minutes when Juan Vargas' effort was deflected past Julio Cesar by Brazil defender Lucio.
Brazil rallied and could have won the game in injury time, but Juan's header crashed off the crossbar and behind for a goal kick. The game ended at 1-1, leaving Peru to celebrate a famous draw, whilst Brazil will now reflect on the ever growing gap between them and Argentina at the top of the table.
In the final game of this round of qualifiers, Uruguay took a late first-half lead against Chile in Montevideo through Luis Suarez. Only an exceptional performance by Claudio Bravo in the Chilean goal kept the score down to one in a first half that Uruguay dominated.
Chile started the second half in much better form, inspired by the skillful Carlos Villanueva and equalised after fifty-eight minutes; Marcelo Salas heading in from close range.
Salas added his second from the penalty spot ten minutes later to put Chile in front, but they could not hold on for the victory, with Washington Abreu equalising for Uruguay with nine minutes left on the clock.
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