BOGOTA, Oct 14 - Brazil struggled to an
uninspiring goalless draw away to Colombia in their opening
match of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign on Sunday.
The only team to have played at all 18 World Cups, Brazil
are likely to be happier with the point, achieved at 2,600
metres above sea level on a slippery pitch, than their
lacklustre performance.
Despite making wholesale changes from their Copa America
squad and fielding an inexperienced team, Colombia had most of
the pressure and Brazil became less adventurous as the game
went on
The match kicked off 45 minutes late after a torrential
downpour left puddles on the pitch but the water drained away
quickly.
Backed by a passionate crowd at the El Campin stadium,
Colombia took the game to Brazil and Radamel Falcao Garcia was
close after a well-worked move from a free kick in the third
minute.
Colombia striker Wason Renteria twice forced Brazil
goalkeeper Julio Cesar to make difficult saves from headers and
the visitors were so uncomfortable that Julio Cesar was booked
for time-wasting in the 44th minute.
Brazil's best first-half effort came when Ronaldinho had a
shot from a narrow angle turned around the post by Agustin
Julio.
Colombia continued to press forward after halftime and
Julio Cesar was forced to parry a long-range shot from
substitute Freddy Grisales.
Aldo Leao Ramirez also tested the goalkeeper with a low
shot but Colombia were unable to find their way past a packed
Brazil defence.
Midfielder Mineiro had Brazil's only second half scoring
chance when his 25-metre drive was turned away by Julio.
(Writing by Brian Homewood in Rio de Janeiro)