Brazil hold Colombia to 0-0 draw

Bogota:

Brazil escaped with a 0-0 away draw against an aggressive Colombia in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

Brazil stars Kaka, Ronaldinho and Robinho were eclipsed by Colombia's Radamel Falcao Garcia, Aquivaldo Mosquera and Carlos Alberto Sanchez.

While Colombia dominated the pitch, the Brazilians at times seemed listless, a possible consequence of Bogota's 2,600-meter altitude and a wet pitch.

The match didn't disappoint in drama or excitement despite the scoreline. Colombia coach Jorge Luis Pinto was expelled from Bogota's El Campin stadium 15 minutes in to the game for protesting a referee's decision not to award a penalty to Wason Renteria.

The match was delayed for 45 minutes due to heavy October rain, which drenched the pitch.

Colombia is eager to overturn an awful recent record in the World Cup and reach South Africa in 2010. The Andean nation failed to qualify for the past two World Cups.

Brazil will next host Ecuador on Wednesday, when Colombia will travel to Bolivia.