“Brazil capitalised on an early blunder by goalkeeper Sebastian Viera to thrash Uruguay 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday and claim their first away win against their smaller neighbours for 33 years. Daniel Alves scored early when his speculative 40-metre shot bounced around six metres in front of goal, was completely misjudged by Viera and flew into the net.” (ESPN)
In a Busy World, Brazil Discovers the Will to Work (NYT)
“The 2010 World Cup in South Africa is beginning to take shape. The first four nations to qualify for the tournament are Australia, Japan, the Netherlands and South Korea. With due respect to them, this is relatively easy in their parts of the world. They are the expected qualifiers, big fish in their qualifying pools.”
Brazil serve up lethal cocktail in Uruguay (Guardian)
“Brazil served up another lethal cocktail of uncompromising defence and clinical counter-attacks in their unprecedented 4-0 win in Uruguay on Saturdau. Brazil soaked up the first-half pressure in Montevideo and found themselves 2-0 up at halftime on the way to their first win in Uruguay since 1976.”
Away joy for South American trio (FIFA)
“Visiting sides held the ascendancy in the latest round of qualifying matches in South America, with three of the four away teams in action on Saturday recording valuable wins on the road.”
Uruguay-Brazil, an old classic renovated with World Cup dreams (CONMEBOL)
“Uruguay’s national team will almost reach 50 goals, scored this season by its forwards Diego Forlán and Luis Suárez in Europe, in front of the best defense in the Qualifiers, that of Brazil that has only received 5 in twelve rounds, in a key match for both.”
Argentina do just enough, but scare no one (ESPN)
“An improved second half performance from Argentina cemented them in third position in the South American qualifying group.”
Top spot surrendered by Paraguay (ESPN)
“Paraguay were knocked off the top of the South American World Cup qualifying group after a shock 2-0 home defeat to Chile on Sunday.”
Bolivia back down to earth (ESPN)
“Bolivia stumbled to a 1-0 home loss to a well-prepared Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, the high-flying hosts given a cold dose of reality after their stunning 6-1 win over Argentina two months ago.”
Scissors Kick 